Why Does the Ball of My Foot Hurt When I Walk?
Every step puts pressure on the ball of your foot, but walking should not leave you with sharp, burning, or aching pain. When discomfort develops beneath the toes or across the forefoot, it may point to anything from overuse to an underlying foot condition.
At Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, we help patients in Tucson and Oro Valley identify the source of ball-of-foot pain and find treatment that helps them move more comfortably.
What Causes Pain in the Ball of the Foot?
One common cause is metatarsalgia, a general term for pain and inflammation in the forefoot. It can develop when the metatarsal bones and surrounding tissues absorb repeated pressure from walking, running, standing, or high-impact exercise. Unsupportive footwear may also contribute.
Our ball-of-foot pain service page explains more about metatarsalgia and the symptoms that may come with it.
Could It Be Morton’s Neuroma?
If your pain feels burning, tingling, or as though you are stepping on a pebble, Morton’s neuroma may be a possibility. This condition involves thickened tissue around a nerve, often between the third and fourth toes. Symptoms can become more noticeable while walking or wearing narrow shoes.
Learn more about neuroma symptoms and treatment, or read our previous blog on common causes of pain in the balls of the feet.
What Else Can Cause Forefoot Pain?
Ball-of-foot pain is not always caused by metatarsalgia or a neuroma. Sesamoiditis, hammertoes, calluses, foot structure, and repetitive stress can all place added pressure on the forefoot. Because several conditions can cause similar symptoms, pinpointing the source of the pain is important before deciding how to treat it.
Depending on the cause, treatment may include activity changes, more supportive footwear, padding, or custom orthotics designed to improve support and redistribute pressure.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
Occasional soreness after an unusually active day may improve with rest, but persistent or worsening pain should not simply become something you learn to live with. If ball-of-foot pain is affecting how you walk, exercise, or handle everyday activities, Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists can evaluate your feet and recommend treatment based on the cause of your discomfort.
With locations in the Tucson and Oro Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., are here for you. Call us at (520) 575-0800 or contact us online!
