Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is the name used for pain in the ball of the foot, the padded area just behind the toes. It describes a location and symptom rather than one single cause.
Foot regionsTwo views of a foot, one from the sole and one from the top, with the toes, forefoot, arch, outer foot, top of foot and heel each labelled.
What people may notice
The pain may feel aching, burning, sharp or shooting. Some people describe the feeling of a small stone or lump under the forefoot.
- Pain during standing, walking, running or another repeated activity
- Tenderness, swelling or bruising around the ball of the foot
- Tingling or reduced sensation in the foot
What may contribute
- Running, jumping or another activity that repeatedly loads the forefoot
- Shoes that are tight, pointed or place extra pressure on the ball of the foot
- Foot shape, hard skin, a verruca, arthritis or another foot condition
- An injury, especially when pain began suddenly
What an evaluation may look at
- Where the pain is located, how it began and what makes it better or worse
- The skin, toes, joints and soft tissue around the painful area
- Foot and ankle movement, strength, balance and walking
- Footwear and recent changes in work, sport or daily activity
When to get medical care first
See the full safety checklist
Get urgent medical advice if:
- Pain is severe, you cannot walk or the foot has changed shape
- You heard a snap, grinding or popping sound when the injury happened
- The foot is hot, swollen and painful, especially if you also feel feverish or unwell
Contact a medical professional if
See the full safety checklist
- Pain is worsening, keeps returning or is stopping normal activities
- You have tingling or loss of sensation, or you have diabetes and new foot pain
Information on a website is not a diagnosis.
How Physical Therapy may fit
A plan is based on the evaluation. Depending on the findings, it may include some, all or none of the following:
- Education about activity and footwear factors that may be loading the area
- Exercises selected from the evaluation for mobility, strength or balance
- Walking or movement practice when mechanics are contributing
- A gradual plan for returning to the activities that matter to you
These approaches each have their own page:
Request an appointment
Send a request and we will contact you by the next business day. Submitting a request does not confirm an appointment; your appointment is confirmed only after the clinic responds.