Pain in the ball of your foot can make walking, running, and even standing feel like a chore. Allyson Otten, DPM, at Kettle Moraine Podiatry in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, treats metatarsalgia for patients throughout Ozaukee County. Dr. Otten pinpoints what’s putting pressure on the ball of your foot, builds a treatment plan that reduces your pain, and helps you get back to the activities you enjoy. Call today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about metatarsalgia care.

What is metatarsalgia?

Metatarsalgia is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot, the padded area just behind your toes. The pain stems from your metatarsal bones, the five long bones in the middle of your foot that connect your ankle to your toes. When these bones or the surrounding tissue absorb too much pressure, the area becomes irritated and sore.

Metatarsalgia is more of a symptom than a single diagnosis. Several different conditions can produce ball-of-foot pain, which is why a careful evaluation matters for getting the right treatment.

What causes metatarsalgia?

Metatarsalgia usually develops when something throws off the way pressure distributes across the front of your foot. Common contributing factors include:

• High-impact activities like running, tennis, or basketball
• Footwear with poor cushioning, narrow toe boxes, or high heels
• Foot shapes that concentrate pressure on the ball of the foot
• A second toe that extends longer than the big toe
• Bunions, hammertoes, or other structural changes
• Carrying extra weight
• The natural cushioning beneath the ball of your foot wearing down as you get older
• Stress fractures in the metatarsal bones

Dr. Otten reviews your activity level, footwear, and foot structure to identify what's driving your discomfort.

What are the symptoms of metatarsalgia?

Metatarsalgia symptoms can range from a dull ache to a sharp, burning pain. You might notice:

• Pain in the ball of your foot that worsens when you stand, walk, or run
• A feeling that something small is stuck inside your shoe
• Sharp or shooting pain in your toes
• Numbness or tingling in your toes
• Pain that improves when you sit down or take your shoes off
• Increased discomfort when you flex your foot

Pain often comes on gradually rather than all at once. However, treating it sooner sets you up for a faster, smoother recovery.

How do podiatrists treat metatarsalgia?

Most cases of metatarsalgia respond well to conservative care. Dr. Otten may recommend:

• Rest from high-impact activities
• Ice and anti-inflammatory medication
• Custom orthotics or metatarsal pads that shift weight away from the painful area
• Supportive, cushioned footwear with a wider toe box
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Weight management when relevant

If your symptoms don’t improve with conservative care, Dr. Otten may explore additional options like cortisone injections or, in rare cases, surgery to address the underlying structural issue.

Call Kettle Moraine Podiatry today or book online to schedule an appointment.