Condition Library
Forefoot
Metatarsalgia
Pain under the ball of the foot from excess pressure on the metatarsal heads.
Symptoms
- Ball-of-foot pain
- Calluses under the metatarsal heads
Risk factors
- Cavus foot
- Tight calf
- Hammertoes
- Fat pad atrophy
What usually helps
- Metatarsal pads
- Rocker soles
- Calf stretching
- Orthoses
When to see a podiatrist
When pain lasts more than two weeks or there is swelling.
Warning signs
- • Swelling on the top of the foot after increased activity (stress fracture)
Podiatrify provides educational information and risk guidance and does not provide a medical diagnosis. Symptoms involving severe pain, rapidly spreading infection, black or blue tissue, major trauma, loss of circulation, or systemic illness may require urgent medical evaluation.