One of the most common locations of foot pain is the ball. By the ball, I am referring to the entire pad before each toe, not just under the big toe. This area is subject to tremendous pressure every step we take. It is a wonder it holds up so well in spite of the abuse it takes.
Outside of an injury, the two most conditions that affect the ball of the foot are a pinched nerve and an inflammed joint. The most comon location of a pinched nerve is between the 3rd and 4th toes. The symptoms consist of aching, sharpness, burning or numbness. There are several causes of a pinched nerve including narrow shoes.
An inflammed joint on the ball of the foot is extremely common. Any joint can be affected but the one next to the big toe is overwhelming the most common. Many people describe this pain as a feeling of something bunched up like their sock. A person with flat feet is most prone to this condition. Flat feet mechanically forces more weight on this joint.
Some of the other common causes of pain in the ball of the foot are wearing shoes with little cushion, extremely high arches, standing on concrete all day and wearing away of the protective foot pad. The symptoms are generally all similar including aching, throbbing, burning, sharpness and numbness.
Most conditions in the ball of the foot can be successfully treated in the office. Like many other foot problems, if left untreated, the body will compenate leading to pain elsewhere. If you experience pain in the ball of the foot, start by wearing quality supportive shoes consistently. If the pain persists, then call my office and tell us you need to be be seen.