Ball of foot pain

Plantar Plate Dysfunction

This condition commonly occurs with women, however many men suffer from pain in the ball of the foot. This is one of the most common causes of pain in the ball of the foot. The pain from a plantar plate injury is often exacerbated by raising onto your tip toes. This can be accompanied by swelling and also splaying of the toes or clawing toe. Plantar plate dysfunction is commonly related with bunions, traumatic or repetitive injury and wearing high-heeled shoes.

Neuroma

Pain located around the 3rd and 4th toes, may be associated with a neuroma (although neuromas can also occur between other toes, they occur most commonly between the 3rd and 4th toes). Neuromas can cause unusual sensations, ranging from a sharp, stabbing pain, through to a numb feeling. Often, people with a neuroma find that removing their shoes and massaging the area eases ball of foot pain.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis often results from activities that put increased force on the ball of the foot, such as running or dancing. This is more common in high-arched feet. Pain is usually focused on the ball of the foot near the big toe and will often be worse when moving the big toe joint. Swelling may also be present around the base of the big toe joint.

Capsulitis

Capsulitis is a condition where the capsular ligaments around the joint become inflamed. In the foot, capsulitis is commonly seen at the base of the second toe, although it can occur in any joint.

Corns and Calluses

Corns and Calluses are very common on the ball of the foot. These thickened areas of skin are created due to increased pressure, and a corn can also develop.

Bursitis

Bursitis is a condition that is often secondary to other causes of ball of foot pain, and may be seen in conjunction with capsulitis, neuroma, metarsarsalgia or sesamoiditis.

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