Chronic pain in the ball of your foot may be incredibly exhausting to live with. It can make everyday activities, like going out and exercising, feel much more difficult than they should.
Understanding what may be causing your pain is often an important first step toward managing it and finding the right path to recovery. So, what may be causing pain in the ball of your foot?
Metatarsalgia is a broad term given for chronic problems affecting the balls of the feet or the ends of the metatarsal heads. Here, we’ll go over the different pathologies that may be included in metatarsalgia and what may be causing them.
Are you living with constant foot pain? At the Ankle Foot and Orthotic Centre, we offer personalised podiatry in Northcote. Start your path to recovery and reach out to our friendly team today.
Morton’s Neuroma
Mortons neuroma occurs when the nerve sheath that connects sensation to the area between the toes thickens. For many, this thickening causes pain at the ball of the foot, as well as tingling, burning, or numbness.
While the cause is unclear, many believe that the lack of blood flow and pressure irritates the nerve. This may be made worse with tight footwear or flat or arched feet.
Interdigital Neuroma
Interdigital neuroma is another term used for Morton’s neuroma. This is slightly more specific, referring to the interdigital nerve affected by the condition.
Intermetatarsal Bursitis
The intermetatarsal bursa is a small fluid-filled sac. This sac is located between the metatarsal heads around the base of the toes. When this sac swells, it puts pressure on the surrounding nerves.
This pressure may cause pain, burning, tingling and numbness, much like Morton’s Neuroma. While there is also no clear cause, compression and pressure of the sac are believed to cause irritation.
However, Intermetatarsal bursitis is a controversial condition that is often up for debate. Some studies imply that the intermetatarsal bursa does not exist, while others see it as an isolated problem.
Plantar Plate Pathology
Plantar plate pathology, or a plantar plate tear, is also a result of constant pressure and strain along the bottom of the foot. Rather than affecting the metatarsal nerves, it occurs when the fibrocartilaginous anatomical structure is stretched or torn.
The plantar plate is crucial for stability, helping the toe joints stay aligned. When damaged, these joints become unstable, which may result in pain along the ball of the foot and toe deformity.
There are several different causes of plantar plate pathology, ranging from poor footwear to trauma such as a blow to the foot.
Freiberg’s Infraction
Freiberg’s infraction, also known as avascular necrosis, targets the head of the metatarsal. When blood flow to the area is interrupted, the bone tissue may start to die. With Freiberg’s Infraction, this bone death is usually focused around the second metatarsal.
This is a rare and painful condition that most often affects 12 to 18-year-olds. Unfortunately, there is no known cause of Freiberg’s Infraction. However, repeated trauma may trigger the condition.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition that affects the sesamoids. These are two small bones located just underneath the big toe. Much like other major joints, they work to increase leverage when flexing the muscles.
When excessive strain and pressure are placed on the sesamoids, sesamoiditis may occur. Excessive exercise and poor footwear are common causes.
Many people with sesamoiditis experience pain under the ball of the foot, swelling, tenderness and stiffness.
Find Foot Pain Support With the Ankle Foot and Orthotic Centre
Have you noticed pain under or around the ball of your foot? There are many different conditions that may be causing it. In some cases, these conditions may overlap and, if left untreated, worsen over time.
At Ankle Foot and Orthotic Centre, we take your concerns seriously. Our experienced team of podiatrists will assess your condition to identify the source of your pain. They may then tailor a treatment plan to suit your needs, preferences and goals.
With the right care, you may get back on your feet sooner than you think. Simply contact our team today to book an appointment. You don’t have to live with pain; we’re here to help.
