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How Do You Relieve Pain in the Ball of Your Foot?

Reviewed on 7/8/2022
A man holding his left foot, which is reddened for illustration
For many causes of pain in the ball of the foot, the RICE method is used (rest, ice, compression, elevate). Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) may be used for pain.

The foot is made up of 26 bones connected by numerous tendons, ligaments, joints, and muscles.

  • Our feet support us when we stand and absorb the force from impact when we run or jump.
  • When the ball of the foot is injured, it can result in pain and inflammation, which may cause reduced mobility and movement. 

Treatment to relieve pain in the ball of the foot depends on the cause. 

For many causes of pain in the ball of the foot, the RICE method is used:

  • Rest and stay off your feet as much as possible
  • Ice the affected area
    • Use a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel
    • Ice 20 minutes at a time, several times a day
  • Compression with a compression bandage or stocking
  • Elevate the affected foot

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) may be used for pain. Do not give aspirin to children because it can cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

Treatment for metatarsalgia includes: 

  • Wearing arch supports or orthotics 
  • Wearing sturdy shoes with a metatarsal insert 
  • Surgery to correct the position of the foot bones

Treatment for arthritis includes:

  • Minimize or avoid activities that cause or worsen pain
  • Low impact exercises such as swimming or cycling are preferred over high impact activities such as running
  • Physical therapy
  • Weight loss if overweight
  • Assistive devices such as braces, shoe inserts (orthotics), or custom-made shoes with stiff soles and rocker bottoms 
  • Steroid injections for pain (effects usually only last a few weeks)
  • Surgery, for cases that do not respond to non-surgical treatment

Treatment for Morton’s neuroma includes:

  • Wear shoes that do not restrict the foot
  • Cortisone injections 
  • Surgery if the problem persists

Treatment for fractures/stress fractures includes:

  • Fractures are treated with immobilization of the injured area with a cast, walking cast, splint, brace, or healing boot 
  • Stress fractures are treated with rest and shoe inserts or braces 

Treatment for bunions includes:

  • Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes that do not cause pressure areas
  • Apply pads to the affected area
  • Surgery for pain

What Causes Pain in The Ball of Your Foot?

It is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment because there are several possible causes of pain in the ball of the foot.

Some common causes of pain in the ball of the foot include: 

  • Metatarsalgia
    • Pain in the ball of the foot
    • A result of inflammation of the foot bones closest to the toes (metatarsals)
    • Caused by running and other activities that put a lot of pressure on the feet, frequently wearing tight-fitting shoes, and certain foot problems
  • Arthritis (inflammation of the joints)
    • Causes pain and stiffness in the small joints of the foot and ankle 
    • May cause pain in the ball of the foot
    • There are more than 100 forms of arthritis
  • Morton’s neuroma 
    • A buildup of benign (noncancerous) tissue in the nerves running between the long bones of the foot due to two bones rubbing together and compressing the nerve between them
    • Usually causes pain, swelling, and tenderness between the bones leading to the third and fourth toes or in the ball of the foot
    • May feel like a lump or small stone under your foot
  • Fractures/stress fractures
    • A break in a bone that can be caused by direct injury to the foot, twisting of the foot, and other conditions that make the bones weak such as osteoporosis and certain medications
    • A type of overuse injury in which the repetitive stress of the foot striking the ground causes trauma
    • Commonly occurs in people who participate in sports such as running, tennis, gymnastics, and basketball
  • Bunions
    • A protrusion of bone or tissue around a joint that occurs at the base of the big toe or little toe
    • Frequently occurs when the joint is stressed over a period of time
    • Happens more often in women due to wearing tight, pointed, confining shoes
    • May also result from arthritis

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Reviewed on 7/8/2022
References
REFERENCES:

Image source: iStock Images

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/foot-pain/pain-in-the-ball-of-the-foot/

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/metatarsalgia-the-basics?search=metatarsalgia%20patient%20info&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~24&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/arthritis-of-the-foot-and-ankle

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/stress-fractures/

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/foot-pain-and-problems