Metatarsalgia describes pain and inflammation in the balls of the feet - the area just behind the toes where the metatarsal heads (the long bones of the foot) bear weight during walking. It is a common condition that can affect people of all ages, from active athletes to older adults with age-related fat pad thinning. The pain is often described as a sharp, burning, or aching sensation that worsens when standing, walking, or running.
At Deal Podiatry in Deal, Kent, we assess the underlying cause of your forefoot pain and provide a targeted treatment plan to relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Causes of Metatarsalgia
Overloading of the metatarsal heads – High-impact activities, prolonged standing, or a change in activity level can increase forefoot pressure beyond what the tissues can tolerate.
High-heeled or ill-fitting footwear – Heels transfer weight to the forefoot; narrow shoes concentrate pressure on the metatarsal heads.
Foot deformity – Prominent metatarsal heads, hammer toes, bunions, and claw toes alter pressure distribution to the forefoot.
Thinning of the metatarsal fat pad – With age, the protective cushioning in the ball of the foot degenerates, increasing pressure on bone and joint.
Morton's neuroma – Thickening of one of the digital nerves in the forefoot, causing burning, tingling, and shooting pain between the toes.
Metatarsal stress fracture – Overuse injury to the metatarsal shaft, presenting as localised bone pain. Requires imaging to diagnose.
Sesamoiditis – Inflammation of the sesamoid bones beneath the 1st metatarsal head, causing pain under the big toe.
Symptoms
Aching or burning in the ball of the foot – Typically worse with weight-bearing and better at rest.
Feeling of a stone in the shoe – A classic description of metatarsalgia and Morton's neuroma.
Numbness or tingling into the toes – Especially between the 3rd and 4th toes - suggestive of Morton's neuroma.
Callus under the metatarsal heads – Indicates excessive, localised pressure.
Treatment at Deal Podiatry
Metatarsal dome padding – A pad placed just behind the metatarsal heads redistributes pressure and provides immediate relief.
Custom orthoses – Orthotics with a metatarsal raise and forefoot padding designed specifically for your foot.
Callus debridement – Removing hard skin reduces pressure and discomfort in the forefoot.
Footwear advice – Shoes with a wide toe box, adequate depth, and a cushioned forefoot significantly reduce metatarsalgia symptoms.
Activity modification – Reducing high-impact loading while maintaining general fitness.
Referral – For Morton's neuroma, ultrasound-guided steroid injection can be arranged through specialist referral.
Related Treatments at Deal Podiatry
Our chiropodist and podiatry team in Deal, Kent offer the following treatments for metatarsalgia and forefoot pain:
Book Your Metatarsalgia Assessment at Deal Podiatry
Ball of foot pain that is left untreated often worsens over time. Contact Deal Podiatry in Deal, Kent for an accurate diagnosis and effective forefoot pain management.