What Causes Ball of Foot Pain? Common Culprits Explained

Reviewed by Carla Benson, DPM

Carla Benson is a podiatrist with experience treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. She is also a medical and health writer with published research on lower-extremity conditions.

Ball of foot pain is pain that occurs in the area of the sole of the foot that's just below the toes. The pain may be a dull ache, a burning sensation or a sharp, stabbing pain.

The major causes or contributors of ball of foot pain include:

Certain types of shoes, such as high heels, can put excessive pressure on the ball of the foot, potentially leading to pain and inflammation. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can also be problematic. In addition, footwear that doesn't provide enough cushioning can aggravate the ball of the foot.

Repetitive high-impact activity, such as jumping and running, can increase pressure on the ball of the foot, which can lead to inflammation and pain. Standing for long periods on hard surfaces can also exert stress on the ball of the foot.

Being overweight can increase the load on your feet when you walk or stand. This puts additional pressure on all areas of the feet, including the ball of the foot.

Certain types of foot structures and foot deformities increase the risk of developing metatarsalgia. These include:

• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• High arches
• Feet that have a second toe that's longer than the big toe

Feet affected by these conditions alter how pressure is distributed across the foot, placing too much stress on the ball of the foot.

Arthritis and other degenerative conditions can cause inflammation, structural changes, and stiffness in the metatarsal region.

As you age, the fat pads that are directly beneath the balls of your feet tend to thin out. This gradual loss of cushioning results in less protection when your feet hit the ground, leaving the ball of the foot more vulnerable.

While ball of foot pain is a very common foot condition, not everyone will develop the problem. Some people are more prone to ball of foot pain. These include:

People who stand or walk for long hours as part of their profession put constant pressure on the balls of their feet. Hard surfaces, common in many work settings, can add to the problem.

Individuals who frequently wear unsupportive footwear may have a higher risk of developing ball of foot pain. Poor footwear can change how your body distributes weight across your feet. It can also leave the ball of the foot with little protection against painful impacts that can contribute to metatarsalgia.

Individuals who have a particular foot structure, such as high arches, and those with foot deformities, such as bunions, may be more likely to develop ball of foot pain. This is because these types of issues tend to alter your gait, or the way you move. If your movements cause you to put extra pressure on the balls of your feet, you may suffer from pain and inflammation.

Ball of foot pain is more common in people who are overweight. Any excess pounds you may be carrying put additional load on all areas of the feet, including the ball of the foot. This may increase the risk of pain.

There are many things you can do to help reduce pressure on the ball of your foot.

The wrong shoes can leave the ball of the foot vulnerable to pain and inflammation. Switching to supportive and cushioned footwear can help relieve stress on tender feet.

Choose shoes with cushioned midsoles to absorb some of the shock when your feet hit the ground, and look for footwear that allows your toes ample room to move, so they're not crowded and cramped.

Avoid high heels and shoes with thin, flat soles as much as possible. Stay away from ill-fitting shoes that are too tight or too loose. Your shoe should stay in place with no slipping and sliding.

Shoe inserts can provide support and relief when you have ball of foot pain.

Metatarsal pads, such as Dr. Scholl's® Ball of Foot Metatarsal Pain Relief Pad, are designed to provide cushioning right where you need it, just behind the ball of the foot. Metatarsal pads can be used easily with various types of shoes. The pads are inserted into the shoe. The raised cushioning transfers pressure away from the ball of the foot.

You might also consider an insole or orthotic with cushioning in the ball of the foot area. Dr. Scholl's® Tri-Comfort® Insoles address ball of foot pain with targeted foam cushioning, which alleviates pressure to deliver relief from pain. The insoles are 3/4 length, so you don't need to trim them. They fit into most shoes.

See a doctor if you have persistent, severe or unexplained pain in your foot. While mild and temporary soreness in the ball of the foot often resolves on its own with simple, conservative therapies, severe and persistent pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

• No improvement: If your pain lasts for more than a few days despite at-home care, make an appointment with a doctor.
• Pain gets worse: If your pain seems to be getting worse, don't ignore it. Have a healthcare professional take a look at your foot, especially if you're having difficulty walking or standing.
• Recurring pain: If your pain resolves temporarily but then returns again, consider making an appointment with a doctor. They may recommend medical treatment.