When to See a Doctor for Ball of Foot Pain
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Time to read 7 min
Ball of foot pain is a very common problem that can occur due to a variety of different factors. While many cases of ball of foot pain are mild and improve with home care and over-the-counter treatments, some people do require medical attention.
Healthcare providers often recommend conservative strategies initially when their patients report ball of foot pain. These include:
- Rest: High-impact activities are a major cause of ball of foot pain. Take a break from your usual activities or tone them down.
- Ice: Cold therapy can be very helpful for reducing pain and inflammation, especially right after a workout. You can ice several times a day for up to 20 minutes at a time.
- Compression: It may be helpful to wrap the tender ball of foot area in an elastic bandage to reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Prop your foot up on a pillow at regular intervals to address inflammation in the ball of the foot.
- Proper footwear: Avoid wearing high heels, unsupportive shoes, and tight and loose footwear. These types of shoes can aggravate the ball of the foot. Choose comfortable shoes with extra support and cushioning.
- Shoe inserts: Using shoe inserts, such as Dr. Scholl’s® Ball of Foot Metatarsal Pain Relief Pad and Dr. Scholl’s® Tri-Comfort® Insoles, can help reduce painful pressure and impacts.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as naproxen, aspirin or ibuprofen, to take down swelling and minimize pain in the ball of the foot.
Signs You Should See a Doctor for Ball of Foot Pain
It's important to be consistent with your at-home care for ball of foot pain. Compliance is critical for achieving pain relief. However, for some people, conservative home strategies aren't enough, and there are times when a visit to the doctor's office may be necessary.
Your Pain Hasn't Improved After About Two Weeks
If you have tried your best to get relief from your foot pain using at-home therapies consistently and you still have pain, it may be best to make an appointment with your healthcare provider. This is also the case if the pain is worsening, it's intense, or it's keeping you from your daily activities.
If you're wondering how long you should go before you contact a doctor for ball of foot pain, the general guideline is about two weeks of consistency with conservative, at-home care. This is usually enough time to see if the pain will resolve without medical intervention.
You Have Tingling, Numbness, or Other Changes in Sensation
If the pain you're feeling in the ball of your foot changes or starts to include numbness or tingling, it's important to seek medical advice. This could be a sign of a nerve problem, and it should be evaluated by a medical professional.
You Have Diabetes and Develop Foot Pain
If you have diabetes, it's important to take extra care of your feet and continually monitor for any changes. Metatarsalgia can be more serious for those who have diabetes since diabetes affects circulation. Be sure to let your healthcare provider know about all of your symptoms.
You Think You May Have a Fracture
Any time you think your ball of foot pain is the result of a fracture, you should see a doctor as soon as you can. If your pain started right after an accident or an injury, it's best not to attempt to self-treat at home. A doctor can evaluate you and order X-rays to determine if you have a fracture. You can then get proper medical treatment.
Your Pain Is Severe, Worsening, or Making It Difficult to Walk
Some people are hesitant to seek help for pain, but if you've made an attempt to address the issue at home and you haven't seen an improvement, it's best to call your doctor. It's also a good idea to get medical help if the pain is severe, especially if it doesn't get better during periods of rest.
You should also see a doctor if you're having trouble walking normally or putting weight on your foot.
When Is Ball of Foot Pain an Emergency?
In some cases, it’s best to see a doctor for ball of foot pain. In other cases, it’s important to seek immediate emergency care. Consider these guidelines:
| Symptom |
Schedule a Regular Appointment |
Go to the Emergency Room |
| Pain persists longer than two weeks |
✓ | |
| Pain gradually gets worse |
✓ |
|
| You develop numbness or tingling |
✓ |
|
| Pain interferes with normal activities |
✓ |
|
| The pain followed significant foot trauma |
✓ |
|
| You cannot bear weight on the foot |
✓ |
|
| The foot appears severely deformed after an injury |
✓ |
|
| You have nausea or dizziness |
✓ |
|
| Your foot makes strange noises, such as popping, grinding or snapping |
✓ |
What Type of Doctor Should You See for Ball of Foot Pain?
If you have ball of foot pain but it's not an emergency situation, you can visit your primary care physician for an evaluation. They can do a basic physical exam to assess your symptoms and determine what may be causing the pain. You may be referred to a podiatrist or a different type of medical specialist, depending on your condition.
What to Expect When You See a Doctor for Ball of Foot Pain
When you see a doctor for ball of foot pain, they may ask you some questions, such as:
- When did the pain start?
- When does it hurt?
- Did you experience an injury?
- What makes the pain worse?
- What other symptoms, if any, do you have?
After the doctor listens to your concerns and examines your foot, you may need additional testing to check for fractures or other potential complications. Once you have a proper diagnosis, your provider can give you treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ball of Foot Pain
How long should I wait before seeing a doctor for ball of foot pain?
If you have mild to moderate ball of foot pain, consider trying consistent at-home care and rest. If the pain persists after about two weeks, it worsens, or it interferes with daily activities, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.
Can I treat ball of foot pain at home?
It’s often possible to address ball of foot pain at home. Many cases improve with rest, ice, compression, elevation, proper footwear and shoe inserts. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help reduce swelling and discomfort. If symptoms don't improve after a few days to two weeks of consistent care, seek a medical evaluation.
What symptoms indicate I need emergency care for ball of foot pain?
Seek emergency care for ball of foot pain if the pain causes nausea or dizziness, your foot appears deformed, you cannot bear weight on the foot, or you hear grinding, popping, or snapping noises when moving your foot.
Why is ball of foot pain more serious if I have diabetes?
Diabetes affects circulation and nerve health, making foot issues more serious in some cases. Any foot pain should be checked by a healthcare provider to prevent more serious issues from developing.
What type of doctor treats ball of foot pain?
If you have ball of foot pain, consider starting with your primary care physician for an initial checkup. They may refer you to a podiatrist or another medical specialist depending on your diagnosis, condition and treatment options.
When should numbness or tingling in the ball of the foot be evaluated?
Any numbness, tingling, or changes in sensation in the ball of the foot should be checked by a medical professional. These symptoms could indicate a nerve problem that requires proper diagnosis and treatment.
What will a doctor ask during my appointment for ball of foot pain?
During your appointment for ball of foot pain, expect questions about when the pain started, what makes it worse, whether you experienced an injury, when the pain occurs, and what other symptoms you may have. The doctor will also likely perform a physical exam, and they may order additional tests.
Should I see a doctor if my ball of foot pain started after an injury?
Yes, if your ball of foot pain began right after an accident or injury, see a doctor as soon as possible. You may have a fracture. Your doctor can take X-rays to confirm. You can then get proper medical treatment.
What products should I use for ball of foot pain?
Dr. Scholl's® Ball of Foot Metatarsal Pain Relief Pad and Dr. Scholl's® Tri-Comfort® Insoles reduce painful pressure and impacts in the ball of the foot.
Is it normal to have trouble walking with ball of foot pain?
For some people, it can be difficult to walk with ball of foot pain. Supportive shoes and metatarsal pads or insoles can help relieve pain when walking by absorbing shock and easing pressure on the tender ball of foot area. If the pain is intense or you can’t put weight on the foot, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Shop Ball of Foot Pain Products
Additional Resources
- American Podiatric Medical Association - Metatarsalgia
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society - Metatarsalgia
- Mayo Clinic - Metatarsalgia
- Cleveland Clinic - Metatarsalgia
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Foot Problems
- American Diabetes Association - Foot Complications
- MedlinePlus - Foot Injuries and Disorders
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - Metatarsalgia
- Healthline - Metatarsalgia
- Johns Hopkins Medicine - Metatarsalgia
Reference list:
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/metatarsalgia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354795
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mortons-neuroma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351935
[3] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21510-diabetic-feet
[4] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15890-metatarsalgia
[5] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-foot/symptoms-causes/syc-20355492
Gina Brock
Gina Brock is a seasoned copywriter, editor and content strategist with over 20 years of experience leading high-performing content production in the health and wellness space. As a healthy lifestyle advocate and former fitness instructor, she leverages her knowledge and experience to shape impactful content that resonates with wellness audiences. Gina is also a published novelist.