In osteoarthritis, the cartilage within the joints breaks down over time due to wear and tear, causing the bones to rub directly against each other. This leads to swelling, stiffness, and pain. Osteoarthritis may affect the joints at the ball of the foot, resulting in a sharp pain or burning sensation in this area that makes standing or walking very difficult.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation. It can affect the small joints of the forefoot, especially the ones connecting metatarsal bones with the toes. As they become swollen, stiff, and damaged, standing and walking places extra pressure on the ball of the foot, leading to a burning or stabbing pain in that area. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by mechanical wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis is triggered by the body’s immune system attacking the joint linings.
Morton’s neuroma is a non-cancerous growth of nerve tissue that develops between the toes (most commonly between the third and fourth toes). As a result, the nerve thickens and causes foot pain. Activities that compress the nerve, such as wearing high heels or pointed shoes, can exacerbate the aches caused by Morton’s neuroma. We offer many treatment options for this condition, ranging from orthotics to surgery.
Foot deformities may contribute to metatarsalgia. Hammertoes cause an imbalance and excessive pressure on the ball due to the curled toe pushing down into the sole. Bunions, which are bony protrusions at the base of the big toe, force the weight bearing of the foot inward instead of straight down, overloading the ball. High arches lack shock absorption, placing more stress on the metatarsals and ball during activity. While different in nature, all of these foot deformities change biomechanics, concentrating too much load and pressure onto the ball and causing inflammation and pain.
When people gain excess weight, the metatarsal bones experience repeated stress that may lead to tiny cracks and fractures. These microtraumas can cause inflammation and pain at the ball of the foot while walking or standing. Managing weight is important to avoid overloading the metatarsals and risking painful stress fractures.
Increasing physical activity levels too quickly may also lead to pain in the ball of the foot. When people rapidly intensify their running, jumping, or sports training, the metatarsal bones endure repeated stress. This can result in small fractures or bone inflammation. These overloaded bones then become the source of pain and tenderness at the ball of the foot, especially with athletic activities that involve pushing off the toes. Gradually building up physical activity levels allows the metatarsal bones to adapt and avoids overstressing them to the point of irritation or microfracture.
Wearing shoes with inadequate support may lead to pain in the ball of the foot over time. Shoes that are too flat or flexible fail to stabilize the foot properly and absorb shock, placing excessive pressure on the metatarsal bones. This concentrated force may inflame tissue, pinch nerves, and cause burning or sharp pain under the toes. Proper footwear with adequate arch and metatarsal support helps to align the foot structure and distribute weight evenly across the entire sole, preventing excess strain that causes irritation in the metatarsal area.
Orthotics can be an effective treatment option for metatarsalgia. Custom-made inserts fit inside the shoe to support the foot’s arch and distribute weight away from the ball, relieving pressure on the metatarsal bones. With these body-weight transfers, orthotics ease pain and inflammation. They provide targeted support by being uniquely crafted for the individual patient’s foot anatomy. Prescribed by Dr. Curson, these customized inserts help to restore comfort and improve function for people suffering from metatarsalgia.