Forefoot pain

Information  •  Fri 11 Sep 2020

The most common source of ball-of-foot pain is metatarsalgia, a broad term used by health practitioners to describe inflammation and pain in the forefoot

You might develop it if you participate in activities that involve running and jumping. There are other causes as well, including foot deformities and shoes that are too tight or too loose.

Overloading of the metatarsals and surrounding structures due to an abnormal leg or foot function is commonly responsible for this pain in the foot. If you're suffering from metatarsalgia, there are several ways to treat it. Some methods include offloading the injured area with soft full-length functional foot orthotics (orthotic inserts), choosing good footwear and modifying your weight-bearing activity that may be stressing the area.

Causes of Forefoot pain

• Inflammation and thickening of the nerve (Morton’s Neuroma)
• Bursitis
• Stress fractures
• Chronic ligament tears (plantar plate tears)
• Reduced fatty padding
• High arch feet
• Flat feet
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Hammertoes
• Arthritis

Diagnosis

• Clinical examination
• Biomechanical assessment to better understand why the pain developed
• Vascular and neurological assessment
• X-ray
• Ultrasound Scan
• MRI (rarely require)

Treatments are always tailored to the individual, they may include:

• Footwear recommendation
• Strapping and padding
• Prescribed exercises and stretches
• Orthotics
• Injection Therapy

Left untreated, metatarsalgia might lead to pain elsewhere in the body such as lower back or hip due to limping (altered gait) from foot pain. We provide non-surgical care with the goal of eliminating symptoms and decreasing progression.

Book an appointment to find out how we can help you get back on your feet pain-free!