Ball of Foot Pain

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Ball of Foot Pain FAQs

What causes pain in the ball of the foot?

Common causes of ball of foot pain include improper footwear, such as high heels, high-impact activities like running, standing on hard floors for long periods, and extra body weight. All of these factors can increase the pressure placed on the ball of the foot.

What is metatarsalgia?

Metatarsalgia is a general term for pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. The pain may present as a sharp, shooting pain, a dull ache or a burning sensation. Some people also feel like they have a pebble in their shoe.

Can high heels cause ball of foot pain?

Yes, high heels can cause ball of foot pain. High heels shift more of your body weight forward onto the ball of your foot, which increases pressure on that area. Love Your HEELS & WEDGES Ball of Foot Cushions are designed to add comfort and protection when you wear heels and wedges.

How do metatarsal pads help?

A metatarsal pad directs pressure away from the ball of the foot. The Dr. Scholl's Ball of Foot Metatarsal Pain Relief Pad is engineered to protect against impact and relieve pain caused by constant and excessive pressure on the ball of the foot.

Should I use a pad or a full insole for ball of foot pain?

A pad or cushion is a good choice when your pain is limited to the ball of the foot, or when a full insole will not fit, such as in heels. A full or three-quarter length insole is better when you also want support for other areas of the foot, or for when you have other types of foot or lower body pain.

Can I wear ball of foot cushions in dress shoes?

Yes, you can wear ball of foot cushions in dress shoes. They are slim enough for many types of dress shoes, heels and wedges.

Do Custom Fit insoles help with ball of foot pain?

Custom Fit Comfort Insoles Full Length may help with ball of foot pain. They provide cushioning under the heel and ball of foot. This helps distribute pressure more evenly across the foot.

What shoes are best for ball of foot pain?

If you have ball of foot pain, look for shoes with a roomy toe box, a lower heel, and a thick, shock absorbing sole. Avoid shoes that are tight, narrow or too loose. Replace athletic shoes on a regular basis.

Can ball of foot pain be prevented?

You can lower your risk of ball of foot pain by wearing well-cushioned shoes, limiting time in high heels, and using supportive insoles. You can also reduce your risk by limiting high-impact workouts and allowing your feet to rest in between high-impact activities. Prevent Pain Lower Body Protective Insoles are designed for people who have had prior episodes of pain and want to help stop it from coming back.

When should I see a doctor about ball of foot pain?

See a doctor or podiatrist for ball of foot pain if the pain is severe, lasts for more than a few weeks, follows an injury, or you also have numbness, tingling, or pronounced swelling. People with diabetes or poor circulation should seek medical advice for any type of foot condition.

Relief for Ball of Foot Pain and Pressure

The ball of your foot takes a lot of force. Whenever you stand, walk, run or jump, the ball of your foot bears your body weight at some point. The ball of the foot is the padded area that’s located just behind the base of your toes. Over time, repeated pressure and impacts can lead to metatarsalgia, the medical term for general pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. For some people, ball of foot pain feels like a sharp, shooting sensation. For others, the pain presents as a dull ache or a burning feeling. Some people feel like they have a small object, like a pebble, stuck in their shoe. The pain from metatarsalgia tends to be worse during times of physical activity, such as walking, running or jumping.  Dr. Scholl's offers products designed to cushion the ball of foot area. These products absorb shock and redirect pressure away from tender spots.

There are many common causes of ball of foot pain. Certain types of footwear increase the risk of metatarsalgia. High heels are particularly hard on the ball of the feet since they shift your weight forward onto the forefoot. Shoes with thin soles offer little protection against impacts whereas tight and loose shoes can cause pressure to be concentrated on the ball of the foot. High-impact activities, such as running and jumping, place repeated stress on the feet. High arches, long hours standing on hard floors, and extra body weight can also increase pressure on the ball of the foot. 

For targeted relief, the Ball of Foot Metatarsal Pain Relief Pad is a simple shoe insert that’s easy to use. It’s designed for people who experience ball of foot pain from constant and excessive pressure, and it’s engineered to absorb shock and protect against impact. Because it focuses on one specific area, it works well in shoes that don’t have removable insoles.