Metatarsalgia
Patofizjologia i mechanizm

Metatarsalgia to zespół objawów charakteryzujący się bólem w przedniej części stopy, głównie pod głowami kości śródstopia, nasilającym się podczas obciążenia stopy (chodzenie, stanie, bieganie). Etiologia jest wieloczynnikowa i obejmuje przyczyny pierwotne (zaburzenia biomechaniczne, np. nieprawidłowa mechanika pierwszej kości śródstopia, wysoki łuk stopy, płaskostopie), wtórne (choroby zapalne jak RZS, dna moczanowa, neuroma Mortona) oraz jatrogenne (powikłania po operacjach stopy). Kluczowym mechanizmem patofizjologicznym jest nadmierny nacisk na głowy kości śródstopia, prowadzący do mikrourazów, zapalenia i bólu. Czynniki ryzyka to m.in. intensywna aktywność fizyczna, urazy, nieodpowiednie obuwie (buty na wysokim obcasie przenoszące 60-80% masy ciała na przednią część stopy), nadwaga oraz osłabienie mięśni i utrata ochronnej poduszki tłuszczowej pod stopą.

Metatarsalgia – definicja i charakterystyka

Metatarsalgia to termin medyczny określający ból w przedniej części stopy, czyli w jej „poduszce” – obszarze znajdującym się między łukiem stopy a palcami. Ból ten najczęściej koncentruje się pod głowami kości śródstopia, szczególnie pod jedną lub kilkoma z pięciu kości u podstawy palców12. Termin ten jest właściwie określeniem objawu, a nie konkretnej choroby, stanowiąc „parasol” obejmujący różne stany powodujące ból w tej okolicy34.

Pacjenci z metatarsalgią zazwyczaj doświadczają ostrego, piekącego lub tępego bólu w przedniej części stopy. Ból ten typowo nasila się podczas stania, chodzenia lub biegania, szczególnie na twardych powierzchniach, i może rozwijać się stopniowo przez tygodnie lub miesiące56. Towarzyszyć mu mogą również inne objawy, takie jak mrowienie, drętwienie, lub uczucie obecności kamyka w bucie7.

Czynniki etiologiczne metatarsalgii

Chirurdzy stopy i stawu skokowego dzielą przyczyny metatarsalgii na trzy grupy: pierwotne, wtórne i jatrogenne8. Pierwotna metatarsalgia może rozwinąć się, gdy istnieje problem z kośćmi śródstopia, który wpływa na ich relację z innymi częściami stopy. Wtórna metatarsalgia może wystąpić, jeśli masz problemy zdrowotne lub wykonujesz czynności zwiększające nacisk na przednią część stopy. Przykłady obejmują stany zapalne, takie jak reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów, dna moczanowa, zapalenie trzeszczek i neuroma Mortona. Jatrogenna metatarsalgia jest powikłaniem operacji przedniej części stopy. Na przykład operacja palucha koślawego może prowadzić do zmian w dużym palcu stopy, powodujących ból metatarsalgii9.

Przyczyny biomechaniczne

Zasadniczą przyczyną bólu w przedniej części stopy jest zwiększony nacisk na kości śródstopia10. Gdy równowaga w rozkładzie obciążenia stopy zostaje zaburzona, dochodzi do przeciążenia, co skutkuje bólem w przedniej części stopy11. Do głównych czynników biomechanicznych należą:

  • Nieprawidłowa mechanika stopy – zaburzona biomechanika pierwszej kości śródstopia powoduje nadmierne przenoszenie ciężaru przez mniejsze kości śródstopia, prowadząc do bólu przeciążeniowego1213
  • Szczególne struktury stopy – wysoko wysklepione stopy, płaskostopie lub nadmierna pronacja, dłuższy drugi palec niż duży palec stopy1415
  • Osłabienie mięśni stopy/nogi16
  • Utrata ochronnej poduszki tłuszczowej pod przednią częścią stopy – z wiekiem poduszka tłuszczowa pod przednią częścią stopy staje się cieńsza, co może zwiększyć podatność na ból w tym obszarze1718

Przyczyny mechaniczne

Urazy mechaniczne stanowią częstą przyczynę metatarsalgii19. Mechaniczny stres jest normalnym elementem funkcjonowania stopy, ale uszkodzenie tkanki następuje, gdy przekroczony zostaje maksymalny próg wytrzymałości tkanki. Może to nastąpić przy: (1) krótkotrwałym, wysokim stresie; (2) długotrwałym, niskim stresie; lub (3) powtarzalnym stresie o umiarkowanym natężeniu20.

Do głównych mechanicznych przyczyn należą:

  • Intensywne treningi lub aktywność fizyczna – szczególnie podczas biegania lub skakania, gdzie przednia część stopy absorbuje więcej siły2122
  • Urazy – takie jak stłuczenia, zwichnięcia, złamania kości23
  • Nieodpowiednie obuwie – buty na wysokim obcasie, które przenoszą 60-80% masy ciała na przednią część stopy, zbyt ciasne buty, które uciskają palce, lub buty bez odpowiedniego wsparcia łuku2425
  • Nadwaga – dodatkowa masa ciała zwiększa nacisk na przednią część stopy2627

Przyczyny patologiczne

Szereg stanów chorobowych może przyczyniać się do rozwoju bólu w przedniej części stopy:

  • Neuroma Mortona – bolesny stan spowodowany przerostem tkanki nerwowej, najczęściej występujący między trzecim a czwartym śródstopiem. To pogrubienie tkanek może zwiększać nacisk na kości śródstopia i powodować objawy przypominające metatarsalgię2829
  • Zapalenia stawów – w tym reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów, dna moczanowa, chondrocalcinoza (pseudodna)3031
  • Zapalenie torebki stawowej (kapsulitis) – stan zapalny dotyczący więzadeł wokół stawu śródstopno-paliczkowego, najczęściej drugiego palca3233
  • Zapalenie kaletki śródstopnej – stan zapalny woreczków wypełnionych płynem wokół stawów, powodujący ból, obrzęk i tkliwość3435
  • Złamania przeciążeniowe – drobne pęknięcia kości powstające na skutek powtarzalnego nacisku. Najczęstszym miejscem złamania przeciążeniowego w stopie są kości śródstopia3637
  • Choroba Freiberga – spowodowana brakiem dopływu krwi do drugiej, trzeciej lub czwartej kości śródstopia, prowadzi do utraty integralności strukturalnej głowy kości śródstopia i pobliskiego stawu3839
  • Zapalenie trzeszczek (sesamoiditis) – stan zapalny dotyczący małych kości w kształcie ziaren sezamu, znajdujących się pod stawem dużego palca stopy4041
  • Cukrzyca – choroba, w której naczynia mikrounaczynienia również cierpią z powodu zaburzeń metabolizmu glukozy42

Patogeneza bólu w przedniej części stopy

Mechanizm powstawania bólu w przedniej części stopy jest złożony i często różni się w zależności od czynników etiologicznych. Jednakże, istnieją pewne wspólne ścieżki patofizjologiczne prowadzące do rozwoju objawów.

Mechanizm przeciążeniowy

Podstawowym mechanizmem powstawania bólu w przedniej części stopy jest nadmierny nacisk na głowy kości śródstopia43. W warunkach normalnych, ciężar ciała jest równomiernie rozłożony na stopę podczas chodzenia, a przednia część stopy jest przystosowana do absorpcji pewnego poziomu obciążenia. Jednak gdy nacisk ten staje się nadmierny lub długotrwały, może prowadzić do mikrourazów, zapalenia i ostatecznie do bólu44.

Podczas chodu, gdy pięta unosi się od podłoża, przednia część stopy zaczyna się zwężać, tworząc bardziej wyraźny łuk śródstopia w dystalnej części stopy, co jest kluczowe dla sztywności stopy podczas odbicia. Zwężanie to jest wynikiem różnych długości kości śródstopia, co daje tzw. parabolę śródstopia45. Jeśli głowy kości śródstopia nie mogą poruszać się względem siebie, druga kość śródstopia będzie narażona na nadmierne obciążenie, a kawałek powięzi podeszwowej przyczepiony do tej kości śródstopia będzie podlegał zwiększonemu obciążeniu46.

Nadmierne obciążenie przedniej części stopy może być rezultatem:

  • Zaburzeń biomechanicznych stopy, takich jak opadnięcie poprzecznego łuku stopy47
  • Nadmiernej pronacji, która powoduje zwiększony nacisk na kości śródstopia48
  • Noszenia butów na wysokim obcasie, które przenoszą 60-80% masy ciała do przodu na przednią część stopy49
  • Intensywnej aktywności fizycznej, szczególnie biegania i skakania, gdzie przednia część stopy absorbuje większość siły uderzenia50

Mechanizm zapalny

W odpowiedzi na mikrourazy i nadmierne obciążenie, w tkankach przedniej części stopy rozwija się proces zapalny51. Nacisk i związany z nim rozkład masy ciała powodują zapalenie, które z kolei powoduje ból stopy. Naczynia krwionośne w przedniej części stopy rozszerzają się, a przepływ krwi zwiększa się, aby umożliwić białym krwinkom napływ do uszkodzonego obszaru. W niektórych przypadkach przednia część stopy może stać się czerwona lub opuchnięta52.

Zapalenie powoduje charakterystyczne zmiany w układzie nerwowym. We wczesnych stadiach mediatory zapalne aktywują układy wtórnych przekaźników, uwrażliwiając nocyceptory polimodalne i zmniejszając progi aktywacji kanałów jonowych przewodzących53.

Główną przyczyną bólu w przedniej części stopy jest zapalenie. Najczęstszym źródłem zapalenia jest nacisk związany z aktywnościami o dużym obciążeniu, takimi jak skakanie i bieganie54.

Mechanizm neuropatyczny

Neuropatyczny ból stopy jest bólem wywołanym przez pierwotną dysfunkcję, uszkodzenie lub przejściowe zaburzenie obwodowego lub centralnego układu nerwowego55. W kontekście metatarsalgii, ból neuropatyczny może być spowodowany przez:

  • Neuromy (np. Neuroma Mortona) – pogrubienie tkanki nerwowej, najczęściej między trzecią a czwartą kością śródstopia56
  • Ucisk nerwów między kośćmi śródstopia57
  • Neuropatię cukrzycową58

Ból neuropatyczny obejmuje heterogenną grupę objawów, które mają podobne cechy kliniczne, w tym spontaniczny ból zależny od bodźca i niezależny od bodźca59. W przypadku neuromy Mortona, ból może być odczuwany jako ostry lub palący w przedniej części stopy i może promieniować do palców60.

Przewlekły ból w przedniej części stopy

Przewlekły ból w przedniej części stopy zazwyczaj nie posiada ostrej lokalizacji przestrzennej typowej dla ostrego bólu stopy. Charakteryzuje się rozlanym bólem, który rozprzestrzenia się poza pierwotne miejsce urazu, wykazuje nieliniową zależność między nocycepcją a intensywnością bólu oraz obejmuje zmiany adaptacyjne na różnych poziomach układu nerwowego61.

Długotrwałe nieleczone bóle w przedniej części stopy mogą prowadzić do zmian w sposobie chodzenia, co może nasilić problem i powodować ból w innych częściach ciała, takich jak dolna część pleców i biodra6263. Dlatego ważne jest, aby rozwiązać problem jak najszybciej.

Konsekwencje nieleczonej metatarsalgii

Nieleczona metatarsalgia może prowadzić do poważnych konsekwencji zdrowotnych64. Ból w przedniej części stopy często prowadzi ludzi do adaptacji i zmiany chodu, aby zminimalizować ból. To z czasem może pogorszyć problem i spowodować ból dolnej części pleców i bioder65.

Gdy ból w przedniej części stopy jest spowodowany urazem, takim jak uszkodzenie więzadła lub kości, niewłaściwe leczenie może prowadzić do nieprawidłowego gojenia. Może to skutkować przewlekłym bólem i problemami ze stopami66.

Ponadto, nieleczona metatarsalgia może znacząco wpływać na mobilność i jakość życia67. Ból może być na tyle intensywny, że utrudnia cieszenie się rzeczami, które kochasz. Być może nie będziesz w stanie nawet chodzić68.

Podsumowanie

Metatarsalgia, czyli ból w przedniej części stopy, jest powszechnym problemem o złożonej patogenezie. Może być wynikiem różnych czynników, w tym zaburzeń biomechanicznych, nadmiernego obciążenia, urazów, nieodpowiedniego obuwia, nadwagi oraz różnych stanów patologicznych6970.

Patogeneza bólu w przedniej części stopy obejmuje mechanizmy przeciążeniowe, zapalne i neuropatyczne. Nadmierne obciążenie kości śródstopia prowadzi do mikrourazów i zapalenia, co z kolei powoduje ból. Zapalenie wywołuje charakterystyczne zmiany w układzie nerwowym, uwrażliwiając nocyceptory i obniżając próg bólu71.

Zrozumienie natury i mechanizmów bólu stopy jest kluczowe dla identyfikacji przyczyny bólu, jego diagnozy i określenia najlepszego sposobu interwencji klinicznej72. Wczesne rozpoznanie i właściwe leczenie metatarsalgii może zapobiec rozwojowi przewlekłego bólu i związanych z nim komplikacji73.

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  1. 16.04.2026
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Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Metatarsalgia: Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15890-metatarsalgia
    Metatarsalgia refers to pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot, or forefoot. Metatarsalgia can cause sharp, shooting, aching or burning pain in the ball of your foot. The pain of metatarsalgia typically centers under one or more of the five bones at the bases of your toes, the metatarsal heads. […] Metatarsalgia has a number of different causes, including foot deformities, health conditions involving your foot or ankle, sports and other activities involving running or jumping, and wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose. […] You may develop metatarsalgia if you participate in activities that involve jumping or running. Other causes of the condition include foot deformities and wearing shoes that are too high-heeled, too soft, unsupportive or overworn. […] Foot and ankle surgeons divide metatarsalgia causes into three groups: primary, secondary and iatrogenic.
  • #2 Pain in the ball of the foot – NHS
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/foot-pain/pain-in-the-ball-of-the-foot/
    Pain in the ball of your foot is known as metatarsalgia. […] Pain in the ball of your foot is often caused by exercise, such as running, wearing shoes that are too tight or a condition such as arthritis. […] Some people also have a foot shape that puts extra pressure on the ball of the foot. Hard or cracked skin or a verruca can also cause this type of pain. […] Your symptoms might also give you an idea of what’s causing your pain.
  • #3 Pain in the Ball of the Foot (Metatarsalgia) – Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone-joint-and-muscle-disorders/foot-and-ankle-problems/pain-in-the-ball-of-the-foot-metatarsalgia
    Pain in the ball of the foot is called metatarsalgia and may have many different causes (including arthritis, pinching of the nerves between the toes, posture problems, and various disorders). […] The most common causes include Freiberg disease, Metatarsal stress fracture, Damage to the nerves in the foot (Morton neuroma), Metatarsal joint pain, Sesamoiditis, Age-related thinning of the fat pad cushion in the ball of the foot. […] Often, developing one disorder that causes pain in the ball of the foot contributes to development of another disorder that causes pain in the same location.
  • #4 Metatarsalgia – Ball of foot pain – Premier Medical Group
    https://www.premiermedicalhv.com/divisions/services/metatarsalgia/
    Metatarsalgia is the medical term for pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. Rather than describing a specific condition, metatarsalgia is an umbrella term for symptoms that can have varied causes. People experiencing this generally feel pain in the padding directly below the toes. This point marks the metatarsal heads, or the joints present just under the toes. The term can describe numbness, shooting pain, and/or soreness, especially when flexing the toes. In generally, injuries to the balls of feet are common in athletes and those who spend a lot of time on their feet. […] This pain is generally the result of excessive walking and running. Metatarsalgia is an overuse injury, and the condition is often due to abnormal weight distribution, persistent pressure on the area, and other musculoskeletal stressors. All causes result in excessive, localized pressure on the forefoot, which creates the pain in the ball of the foot. […] This pressure and weight distribution causes inflammation, which in turn causes the foot pain. Blood vessels in the ball of the foot dilate, and blood flow increases to allow white blood cells to swarm the injured area. In some cases, the forefoot will become red or swollen.
  • #5 What Causes Pain in the Ball of the Foot (Metatarsalgia)?: Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado: Podiatrists
    https://www.faicolorado.com/blog/what-causes-pain-in-the-ball-of-the-foot-metatarsalgia
    Pain in the ball of the foot behind the toes is a very common problem that we see as podiatrists. Metatarsalgia is a term that can be used for chronic pain over the metatarsal heads, but this does not really explain the reason it is happening. The 3 most common reasons people get pain in the ball of the foot are tearing of the plantar plate around the second metatarsophalangeal joint, a Morton’s neuroma, or a stress fracture of the metatarsal. […] The most common reason we see pain in the ball of the foot is actually from tearing of the plantar plate around the second metatarsal phalangeal joint. We have several different terms we use for this including capsulitis of the joint, pre-dislocation syndrome, or plantar plate attenuation. Essentially what is happening is that the joint is being overloaded, which causes tearing to occur of the ligaments around the bottom of that joint, which causes pain in the ball of the foot.
  • #6 Ball of Foot Pain – Metatarsalgia | Metatarsalgia Treatment
    https://www.footankleinstitute.com/conditions/metatarsalgia
    Pain in the ball of the foot, the area just behind the toes, is likely metatarsalgia, an inflammatory condition that causes pain in the mid-foot metatarsal bones. […] Metatarsalgia is an overuse injury that can be caused by activities like jumping and running. Wearing shoes that are too tight – or too loose – can also bring on this painful condition, as can excess weight or foot deformities. […] Metatarsalgia causes sharp, burning or aching pain at the end of one or more of the metatarsal bones. You’ll notice that the pain worsens when running or walking, or when standing on a hard surface barefoot. The pain usually comes on over a period of weeks or months, rather than suddenly. […] At-home treatments including rest and icing may relieve the symptoms. But if the pain continues or gets worse, you need professional help from a podiatrist.
  • #7 Understanding and Treating Ball of Foot Pain
    https://ankleandfootcenters.com/ball-of-foot-pain/
    Ball of foot pain, also known as metatarsalgia, is a common condition characterized by: […] Pain and inflammation in the forefoot area […] The pain typically occurs on the bottom of the foot, just behind the toes […] The pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, burning sensation. […] Several causes can contribute to ball of foot pain, including foot deformities, excess weight, and high-impact activities. […] Foot deformities and injuries can lead to localized pressure and inflammation in the forefoot, causing ball of foot pain. […] Excess weight and pressure on the forefoot can cause pain and inflammation. […] High-impact activities, such as running and jumping, can contribute to ball of foot pain by putting additional stress on the forefoot. […] Footwear plays a significant role in the development and management of ball of foot pain.
  • #8 Metatarsalgia: Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15890-metatarsalgia
    Metatarsalgia refers to pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot, or forefoot. Metatarsalgia can cause sharp, shooting, aching or burning pain in the ball of your foot. The pain of metatarsalgia typically centers under one or more of the five bones at the bases of your toes, the metatarsal heads. […] Metatarsalgia has a number of different causes, including foot deformities, health conditions involving your foot or ankle, sports and other activities involving running or jumping, and wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose. […] You may develop metatarsalgia if you participate in activities that involve jumping or running. Other causes of the condition include foot deformities and wearing shoes that are too high-heeled, too soft, unsupportive or overworn. […] Foot and ankle surgeons divide metatarsalgia causes into three groups: primary, secondary and iatrogenic.
  • #9 Metatarsalgia: Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15890-metatarsalgia
    Primary metatarsalgia can develop if there’s an issue with your metatarsals that affects their relationship with other parts of your foot. […] Secondary metatarsalgia can happen if you have health issues or do activities that increase pressure on your forefoot. Examples include inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, sesamoiditis and Morton’s neuroma. […] Iatrogenic metatarsalgia is a complication of forefoot surgery. For example, bunion surgery may lead to changes in your big toe that cause metatarsalgia pain. […] If you have any ongoing symptoms of metatarsalgia, you should see your healthcare provider. Untreated metatarsalgia can lead to other foot and ankle conditions that can cause you to limp. Metatarsalgia can also cause pain in other parts of your body, including your lower back and hip when you compensate and begin to walk abnormally.
  • #10 Ball of Foot Pain Causes and Treatment Options | El Paso Podiatrist | The Foot Institute
    https://www.thefootinstitute.com/faqs/ball-of-foot-pain-causes-treatments.cfm
    Pain in the ball of your foot is typically caused by excessive pressure on the metatarsal bones. Often referred to as metatarsalgia, this type of discomfort can arise from improper footwear, high-impact activities, foot deformities, or conditions like arthritis. […] The metatarsal-phalangeal (MTP) joints lie between the heads of the metatarsal bones and your toes. These joints are surrounded by a complex network of nerves, tendons, and ligaments. When something disrupts the normal function of these structures, pain often follows. […] Many factors can contribute to the development of metatarsalgia. The most common causes of this painful condition include: Overuse injuries. High-impact activities like running, jumping, or dancing place repetitive stress on the forefoot, which, over time, can lead to inflammation and pain. Ill-fitting shoes. High heels, pointed-toe shoes, and footwear that’s too tight can cramp the toes and put excessive pressure on the MTP joints. Conversely, shoes that are too loose may allow the foot to slide and rub, causing irritation. Foot deformities. Conditions like bunions, hammer toes, and high arches can change the way weight is distributed across the foot, putting extra stress on the MTP joints. This imbalance can trigger metatarsalgia symptoms. Excess weight. Carrying extra pounds amplifies the load on your forefoot with every step. Over time, the increased pressure from extra weight can strain the MTP joints and surrounding tissues. Inflammatory conditions. Certain types of arthritis, bursitis, and nerve irritation can lead to inflammation in the ball of the foot, resulting in pain and stiffness.
  • #11 Ball of foot pain | Adelaide Foot and Ankle Surgeon – Mike Smith
    https://orthopaedics360.com.au/foot/metatarsalgia/
    Metatarsalgia is an umbrella term that is used to describe ball of foot pain. Many different conditions can result in pain in this location. The metatarsals are long bones in the foot that are designed to allow an even weight distribution during walking. When this balance is disrupted, overload occurs, resulting in ball of foot pain. […] Ball of foot pain occurs in this situation due to altered biomechanics of the 1st metatarsal. Excessive weight transfer occurs through the lesser metatarsals (smaller toes) resulting in overload pain. […] A mortons neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot. It is a painful enlargement / thickening of the nerve that supplies sensation to the skin between your toes. […] Stress fractures occur during periods of overload or a recent change in activities (i.e taking up long distance running). The most common site of a stress fracture in the foot is the metatarsal bones. Stress fractures have poor healing potential if high work loads are maintained.
  • #12 Ball Of Foot Pain | Dr Mike Smith | Adelaide Foot & Ankle Surgeon
    https://www.drmikesmith.com.au/foot-conditions/metatarsalgia/
    Metatarsalgia is an umbrella term that is used to describe ball of foot pain. […] When this balance is disrupted, overload occurs, resulting in ball of foot pain. […] Ball of foot pain occurs in this situation due to altered biomechanics of the 1st metatarsal. Excessive weight transfer occurs through the lesser metatarsals (smaller toes) resulting in overload pain. […] A mortons neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot. […] Bursal inflammation between the metatarsals can result in ball of foot pain. […] Stress fractures occur during periods of overload or a recent change in activities (i.e taking up long distance running). The most common site of a stress fracture in the foot is the metatarsal bones. […] The treatment of your pain will depend upon your exact diagnosis.
  • #13 Ball of foot pain | Adelaide Foot and Ankle Surgeon – Mike Smith
    https://orthopaedics360.com.au/foot/metatarsalgia/
    Metatarsalgia is an umbrella term that is used to describe ball of foot pain. Many different conditions can result in pain in this location. The metatarsals are long bones in the foot that are designed to allow an even weight distribution during walking. When this balance is disrupted, overload occurs, resulting in ball of foot pain. […] Ball of foot pain occurs in this situation due to altered biomechanics of the 1st metatarsal. Excessive weight transfer occurs through the lesser metatarsals (smaller toes) resulting in overload pain. […] A mortons neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot. It is a painful enlargement / thickening of the nerve that supplies sensation to the skin between your toes. […] Stress fractures occur during periods of overload or a recent change in activities (i.e taking up long distance running). The most common site of a stress fracture in the foot is the metatarsal bones. Stress fractures have poor healing potential if high work loads are maintained.
  • #14 Metarsalgia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment | Foot and Ankle Center of Lake City
    https://www.bergdpm.com/video/metarsalgia-symptoms-causes-and-treatment.cfm
    If youre experiencing pain in the ball of your foot, youre probably wondering what caused it. […] While metatarsalgia is a catch-all phrase for different types of ball of foot pain, they all have two things in common—pain and inflammation. […] Symptoms can occur suddenly or over time and develop from weight-bearing activities like walking, running, or standing. […] Primary metatarsalgia is caused by problems with your foot structure including the following: High-arched feet, Flat feet or overpronation, A longer 2nd toe which can lead to overload of the metatarsals, A foot condition such as bunions, hammertoes, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, or Mortons Neuroma. […] Secondary metatarsalgia is caused by activities that put more pressure on the ball of your foot or by having a particular health issue.
  • #15 What Causes Pain In The Ball Of The Foot?
    https://wphphysio.com.au/what-causes-pain-in-the-ball-of-the-foot/
    Certain foot shapes […] Different shaped feet can also predispose you to developing pain in the ball of your foot. For example, having your second toe longer than the big toe, or small curled up toes also known as hammertoes. Having a high arch can put more pressure on the front of your foot and put you at risk of developing metatarsalgia. […] Footwear […] Footwear is a key risk factor that can cause pain in the ball of the foot. For example, wearing high heels transfers extra weight to the front of your foot. Shoes that have a narrow toe box can also contribute to the problem as they squeeze the toes together causing pain. Athletic shoes that lack arch support are also detrimental. […] Excess weight […] As you move, most of your body weight transfers from the heel to the forefoot. A risk factor of developing this condition is being overweight or obese. Extra weight means more pressure on the front of the feet (metatarsals). Losing weight may help to reduce or eliminate symptoms.
  • #16 Metatarsalgia | NHS Lanarkshire
    https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/services/podiatry/metatarsalgia/
    You may have contributing factor related to metatarsalgia (ball of the foot pain): Being over-weight, Age the fat pad under the ball of the foot becomes thinner and this can increase pressure at the front of the foot, Increased swelling in feet, High arched feet, Tightness in the muscles in the back of the leg, Weakness within the muscles in your foot/leg, Unsuitable footwear that is too narrow or has a thin sole i.e. High heeled shoe, Foot deformities such as hallux valgus (bunion), hallux limitus and hammer toe deformities, Inflammatory conditions i.e. rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis etc., Previous foot trauma i.e. metatarsal fracture, nerve injury, Spending long periods standing, walking or running, especially with a sudden increase in these activities. […] It is important though that if you have any of the contributing factors you make the necessary changes to help with your recovery. […] Shoes that have flexible soles generally offer the foot less support and can increase the stress in soft tissues in your feet.
  • #17 Forefoot Pain El Paso | Big Toe Arthritis | Gout El Paso TX
    https://www.epfootandankle.com/forefoot-pain-foot-ankle-surgeon-el-paso-texas.html
    Forefoot pain, also referred to as metatarsalgia, is a type of pain that occurs in the ball of the foot (along the ends of the metatarsal bones). […] Some common causes of forefoot pain include: […] Loss of fat pad under the ball of the foot: With aging, the protective fat pad under the ball of the foot tends to thin out with overuse and may increase the susceptibility to pain in the ball of the foot.
  • #18 Forefoot Pain Portland: Causes, Symptoms Treatment Portland
    https://www.multnomahortho.com/forefoot-pain-orthopedic-surgeon-portland-beaverton-gresham-oregon.html
    Forefoot pain, also referred to as metatarsalgia, is a type of pain that occurs in the ball of the foot (around the tip of the metatarsal bones). […] Patients with metatarsalgia usually experience a sharp, aching or burning pain in the ball of their feet. […] There are many causes of forefoot pain which requires careful judgment to conclude the diagnosis and the treatment plan. […] Loss of fat pad under the ball of the foot: With aging, the protective fat pad under the ball of the foot tends to thin out with overuse and may increase the susceptibility to pain in the ball of the foot. […] Early treatment is critical to relieve pain. […] Surgery is considered as the last option if in case the symptoms fail to resolve with the conservative treatments and depends on the age and activity level of the individual, extent of damage to the tendon or bone or nerve, and other factors. […] Surgical treatment involves realigning or reshaping the metatarsal bones.
  • #19 Understanding the nature and mechanism of foot pain
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2631512/
    Currently, the nature and mechanism underlying many types of foot pain is not clearly understood. […] Currently, the aetiological mechanisms underlying some types of tissue injury within the foot are not clearly understood. As a result, interventions targeting foot pain in clinical trials often lack specific targets (e.g. plantar heel pain). […] A deeper understanding of pain is needed to identify the nature and mechanism of foot pain, its diagnosis and how best to target clinical intervention. […] Tissue damage in the foot may occur via chemical, mechanical or thermal stimulation associated with direct trauma, musculoskeletal overload, infection, or systemic or proximal pathology (e.g. nerve entrapment, diabetic neuropathy). Many common types of foot pain such as tendonitis, stress fracture, corns and callus are routinely attributed, in part or full, to mechanical stress.
  • #20 Understanding the nature and mechanism of foot pain
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2631512/
    While mechanical stress (broadly defined as force applied to tissue) is a normal component of foot function, tissue damage occurs when the maximum stress threshold of the tissue is exceeded. This may occur with: (1) short duration, high magnitude stress; (2) long duration, low magnitude stress; or (3) repetitive moderate-magnitude stress. […] Pathological foot pain is experienced following nociceptive pathology; involving dysfunction of either or both of the peripheral or central nervous systems. […] Neuropathic foot pain is pain instigated by a primary dysfunction, lesion or transitory perturbation in the peripheral or central nervous systems. […] Inflammation produces characteristic changes within the nervous system. In early stages, inflammatory mediators activate second-messenger systems, thereby sensitising polymodal nociceptors and reducing the activation thresholds of conducting ion channels.
  • #21 What Causes Pain In The Ball Of The Foot?
    https://wphphysio.com.au/what-causes-pain-in-the-ball-of-the-foot/
    Pain in the ball of the foot is a common condition that we see and one that we get many questions about here at West Pennant Hills Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries Centre. […] Pain in the ball of the foot can also be referred to as metatarsalgia. It is a condition in which the ball of the foot becomes painful and inflamed. The area affected involves the bones at the bases of the toes, which are called the metatarsals. There are many different causes of metatarsalgia such as incorrect footwear, overuse with activities that involve running or jumping, or foot deformities. […] Intense training or activity […] This is especially with running or jumping. This is because the front of the foot absorbs more force during these activities. Participating in high impact sports can put you at risk, particularly if you have poor footwear or have worn through your shoes.
  • #22 Metatarsalgia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment
    https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/metatarsalgia
    Metatarsalgia is a common overuse injury that causes pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot, which is between your arch and toes. It’s usually caused by another issue affecting the five metatarsal bones in your foot. […] Metatarsalgia causes pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot. […] The pain of metatarsalgia comes from too much pressure on one spot in your foot. It’s usually caused by pressure on your feet during high-impact sports. […] The main symptom of metatarsalgia is pain at the end of one or more of your five metatarsal bones. Those are the bones in the ball of your foot, closest to your toes. […] Most often, the pain comes on over several months, rather than suddenly. It’s usually caused by the pressure on your feet during high-impact sports but can also result from other things, such as bunions, hammertoe deformity, torn ligaments in your feet, obesity, and ill-fitting shoes.
  • #23 Ball of Foot Pain: Expert Care at Lone Star Neurology
    https://lonestarneurology.net/blog/ball-of-foot-pain/
    Ball of foot pain or metarsalgia is a biologically important warning signal that indicates foot pathology. Pain in the foot appears as a result of overload, deformation, fractures, pathologies of tendons and joints, or general diseases caused by metabolic disorders. […] Ball of foot pain can occur due to increased training, improper load distribution, and injuries. […] The main causes are: Traumatic injuries to the foot (bruises, sprains, bone fractures). With fractures, the pain is sharp; there is a rapid increase in edema. […] The next reason is inflammation affecting the joints of the foot. These include gout, chondrocalcinosis (pseudogout), and rheumatoid types of arthritis. […] Ball of foot pain can be a symptom of bone pathology. In this case, we can talk about such diseases as osteomyelitis, osteoporosis, bursitis of the metatarsal head, etc.
  • #24 What Causes Pain In The Ball Of The Foot?
    https://wphphysio.com.au/what-causes-pain-in-the-ball-of-the-foot/
    Certain foot shapes […] Different shaped feet can also predispose you to developing pain in the ball of your foot. For example, having your second toe longer than the big toe, or small curled up toes also known as hammertoes. Having a high arch can put more pressure on the front of your foot and put you at risk of developing metatarsalgia. […] Footwear […] Footwear is a key risk factor that can cause pain in the ball of the foot. For example, wearing high heels transfers extra weight to the front of your foot. Shoes that have a narrow toe box can also contribute to the problem as they squeeze the toes together causing pain. Athletic shoes that lack arch support are also detrimental. […] Excess weight […] As you move, most of your body weight transfers from the heel to the forefoot. A risk factor of developing this condition is being overweight or obese. Extra weight means more pressure on the front of the feet (metatarsals). Losing weight may help to reduce or eliminate symptoms.
  • #25 Ball of Foot Pain Metatarsalgia Insoles | Metatarsal Orthotics – Footlogics USA
    https://footlogics-orthotics.com/ball-of-foot-pain-metatarsalgia/
    „Metatarsalgia” as it is called in medical terms is pain felt mostly in the ball of your foot. It is especially common in women who wear fashion shoes and high heels. […] This condition is caused by the collapsing of the 'transverse arch’ of the foot. This arch runs across the forefoot and is formed by the 5 metatarsal bones. […] Over-pronation happens when the arches of our feet collapse. It causes excess pressure on the metatarsals which severely weakens your forefoot structure resulting in pain in the ball of your foot. […] High-heeled footwear transfers about 60 to 80% of your body weight forward, onto the balls of your feet. This leads to the dropping of the metatarsals or forefoot bones and weakening of the surrounding ligaments. […] Being overweight places excessive pressure on your feet. Your feet were 'designed’ to carry normal body weight. People who are overweight put enormous pressure on the muscles, joints and ligaments in the foot, in particular the metatarsal bones will suffer and collapse, causing ball of foot pain.
  • #26 What Causes Pain In The Ball Of The Foot?
    https://wphphysio.com.au/what-causes-pain-in-the-ball-of-the-foot/
    Certain foot shapes […] Different shaped feet can also predispose you to developing pain in the ball of your foot. For example, having your second toe longer than the big toe, or small curled up toes also known as hammertoes. Having a high arch can put more pressure on the front of your foot and put you at risk of developing metatarsalgia. […] Footwear […] Footwear is a key risk factor that can cause pain in the ball of the foot. For example, wearing high heels transfers extra weight to the front of your foot. Shoes that have a narrow toe box can also contribute to the problem as they squeeze the toes together causing pain. Athletic shoes that lack arch support are also detrimental. […] Excess weight […] As you move, most of your body weight transfers from the heel to the forefoot. A risk factor of developing this condition is being overweight or obese. Extra weight means more pressure on the front of the feet (metatarsals). Losing weight may help to reduce or eliminate symptoms.
  • #27 Ball of Foot Pain Metatarsalgia Insoles | Metatarsal Orthotics – Footlogics USA
    https://footlogics-orthotics.com/ball-of-foot-pain-metatarsalgia/
    „Metatarsalgia” as it is called in medical terms is pain felt mostly in the ball of your foot. It is especially common in women who wear fashion shoes and high heels. […] This condition is caused by the collapsing of the 'transverse arch’ of the foot. This arch runs across the forefoot and is formed by the 5 metatarsal bones. […] Over-pronation happens when the arches of our feet collapse. It causes excess pressure on the metatarsals which severely weakens your forefoot structure resulting in pain in the ball of your foot. […] High-heeled footwear transfers about 60 to 80% of your body weight forward, onto the balls of your feet. This leads to the dropping of the metatarsals or forefoot bones and weakening of the surrounding ligaments. […] Being overweight places excessive pressure on your feet. Your feet were 'designed’ to carry normal body weight. People who are overweight put enormous pressure on the muscles, joints and ligaments in the foot, in particular the metatarsal bones will suffer and collapse, causing ball of foot pain.
  • #28 What Causes Pain In The Ball Of The Foot?
    https://wphphysio.com.au/what-causes-pain-in-the-ball-of-the-foot/
    Pain in the ball of the foot may not always be metatarsalgia. Other possible diagnoses for pain under the ball of foot include: […] Morton’s neuroma […] This is a a noncancerous growth of fibrous tissue around the nerve. It most commonly occurs between the third and fourth metatarsal heads. This thickening of the tissues can contribute to excess stress on the metatarsals and result in symptoms very similar to that of metatarsalgia. It may cause pain or pins and needles or numbness between the toes. […] Stress fractures […] Stress fractures are caused by repetitive force, such as repetitive jumping or long distance running. It is often an overuse injury. Most stress fractures occur in the bone of the foot and lower leg, which carry the weight of the body. To determine whether the pain in the ball of your foot is due to a stress fracture, you will need a bone scan or MRI.
  • #29 Morton’s neuroma – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mortons-neuroma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351935
    Morton’s neuroma involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This can cause a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. […] Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly the area between your third and fourth toes. […] A burning pain in the ball of your foot that may radiate into your toes. […] Morton’s neuroma seems to occur in response to irritation, pressure or injury to one of the nerves that lead to your toes. […] Wearing high-heeled shoes or shoes that are tight or ill fitting can place extra pressure on your toes and the ball of your foot.
  • #30 Ball of Foot Pain: Expert Care at Lone Star Neurology
    https://lonestarneurology.net/blog/ball-of-foot-pain/
    Ball of foot pain or metarsalgia is a biologically important warning signal that indicates foot pathology. Pain in the foot appears as a result of overload, deformation, fractures, pathologies of tendons and joints, or general diseases caused by metabolic disorders. […] Ball of foot pain can occur due to increased training, improper load distribution, and injuries. […] The main causes are: Traumatic injuries to the foot (bruises, sprains, bone fractures). With fractures, the pain is sharp; there is a rapid increase in edema. […] The next reason is inflammation affecting the joints of the foot. These include gout, chondrocalcinosis (pseudogout), and rheumatoid types of arthritis. […] Ball of foot pain can be a symptom of bone pathology. In this case, we can talk about such diseases as osteomyelitis, osteoporosis, bursitis of the metatarsal head, etc.
  • #31 What Causes Pain in the Ball of Your Foot?
    https://www.verywellhealth.com/foot-pain-in-ball-of-foot-11695376
    Metatarsalgia refers to pain in the ball of your foot, the area of the forefoot just below the top of the metatarsal bones in your big toe. Most people feel this sharp pain in the space between their big toe and the arch of the foot. […] Pain in the ball of your foot can have many causes, such as an injury, ill-fitting shoes, excessive exercise, or underlying conditions such as Mortons neuroma, bunions, or arthritis. […] It can also result from acute injury, such as a sprain, or an underlying condition, such as: […] Arthritis: A condition that causes inflammation and pain in and around the joints, including those in the foot, most commonly rheumatoid arthritis. […] Bunions: This condition causes painful bumps on the sides of one or both feet. […] Mortons neuroma: Thickened tissue caused by nerve damage or inflammation. It usually occurs between the toes and leads to pain that may feel like a shooting, tingling, burning, or stabbing feeling or the sensation of having something stuck under the foot.
  • #32 What Causes Pain In The Ball Of The Foot?: Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado: Podiatrists
    https://www.faicolorado.com/blog/what-causes-pain-in-the-ball-of-the-foot
    Pain in the ball of the foot is commonly called metatarsalgia. A diagnosis of metatarsalgia can be confusing however, because there are several different things that will commonly cause these symptoms. The most common causes of metatarsalgia are capsulitis around the metatarsophalangeal joint region and a pinched nerve in the foot called a neuroma. […] Capsulitis occurs most commonly over the second metatarsophalangeal joint. This will cause pain at the base of the second toe and often times has associated swelling. This typically happens when too much pressure is being applied to this joint with activity and the ligament called the plantar plate starts to be stretched or torn. […] The most common other reason people get pain over the ball of the foot is a pinched nerve in the foot called a neuroma. This most commonly happens between the third and fourth metatarsals and will typically give people pain in the area, but also can give symptoms of burning, and tingling, and numbness into the toes.
  • #33
    https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abp4945
    Metatarsalgia (say „met-uh-tar-SAL-jee-uh”) is pain in the ball of the foot. It sometimes spreads to the toes. The ball of the foot is the bottom of the foot, where the toes join the foot. […] Pain in this area can be caused by many things. For example, you may have this pain if you stand or walk a lot or wear tight shoes or high heels. […] Your pain might be caused by inflammation of a joint (capsulitis). It is most common in the joint at the base of the second toe, near the ball of the foot. Capsulitis happens when ligaments that go around the joint become inflamed. The joint may be swollen. It may feel like there is a small rock under it. […] Treatment may consist of home care, such as rest, wearing different shoes, and taking over-the-counter pain medicines. It can take months for the pain to go away. […] If the ligaments around a joint are torn, or if a toe has started to slant toward the toe next to it, you may need surgery.
  • #34 What Causes Pain in the Ball of Your Foot?
    https://www.verywellhealth.com/foot-pain-in-ball-of-foot-11695376
    Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, sacs filled with fluid, around the joints, which causes pain, swelling, tenderness, and warmth. […] Pain in the ball of your foot is known as metatarsalgia. It is sometimes caused by tight shoes or excessive exercise, such as running, but it can also be due to underlying medical conditions like arthritis, bursitis, or bunions.
  • #35 Ball Of Foot Pain | Podiatrist Treatment Masterton
    https://www.mastertonfootclinic.co.nz/ball-of-foot-pain-podiatrist-treatment-masterton/
    Plantar plate tears occur when a thick ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, called the plantar plate, is damaged, most often due to overuse and overloading. […] In bursitis, the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints in the ball of the foot called the bursa become inflamed, causing pain and swelling. […] Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, which can cause sudden, intense pain and swelling in the ball of the foot. […] Pain at the ball of the foot can be caused by various factors, including metatarsalgia (inflammation or injury to the metatarsal heads), a Morton’s neuroma (thickening of the nerve between the toes), sesamoiditis (inflammation of the sesamoid bones), stress fractures, arthritis, plantar plate tears, and overuse or improper footwear. […] Treatment for pain at the ball of the foot depends on the underlying cause.
  • #36 Ball Of Foot Pain | Dr Mike Smith | Adelaide Foot & Ankle Surgeon
    https://www.drmikesmith.com.au/foot-conditions/metatarsalgia/
    Metatarsalgia is an umbrella term that is used to describe ball of foot pain. […] When this balance is disrupted, overload occurs, resulting in ball of foot pain. […] Ball of foot pain occurs in this situation due to altered biomechanics of the 1st metatarsal. Excessive weight transfer occurs through the lesser metatarsals (smaller toes) resulting in overload pain. […] A mortons neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot. […] Bursal inflammation between the metatarsals can result in ball of foot pain. […] Stress fractures occur during periods of overload or a recent change in activities (i.e taking up long distance running). The most common site of a stress fracture in the foot is the metatarsal bones. […] The treatment of your pain will depend upon your exact diagnosis.
  • #37 What Causes Pain In The Ball Of The Foot?
    https://wphphysio.com.au/what-causes-pain-in-the-ball-of-the-foot/
    Pain in the ball of the foot may not always be metatarsalgia. Other possible diagnoses for pain under the ball of foot include: […] Morton’s neuroma […] This is a a noncancerous growth of fibrous tissue around the nerve. It most commonly occurs between the third and fourth metatarsal heads. This thickening of the tissues can contribute to excess stress on the metatarsals and result in symptoms very similar to that of metatarsalgia. It may cause pain or pins and needles or numbness between the toes. […] Stress fractures […] Stress fractures are caused by repetitive force, such as repetitive jumping or long distance running. It is often an overuse injury. Most stress fractures occur in the bone of the foot and lower leg, which carry the weight of the body. To determine whether the pain in the ball of your foot is due to a stress fracture, you will need a bone scan or MRI.
  • #38 Ball of Foot Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief
    https://www.healthline.com/health/ball-of-foot-pain
    In Mortons neuroma, the area by the third and fourth toe is affected. This is caused by a thickening of the tissues around the nerves leading to the toes. […] Freibergs disease can also be a cause. This condition is caused by a lack of blood supply to the second, third, or fourth metatarsal. With this condition, part of the metatarsal head loses structural integrity, leading to collapse in the head of the second metatarsal and nearby joint. […] Pain in the ball of the foot can also be caused by sesamoiditis. Sesamoiditis is inflammation of the sesamoid bones, which are pulley-like bones that are connected to tendons instead of other bones (like the knee cap). […] Pain in the ball of your foot can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. […] Pain in the ball of the foot typically does not have a high chance of complications with proper treatment and rest.
  • #39 Pain in the ball of the foot: Causes and Treatments | FCG
    https://www.footcentregroup.com.au/pain-in-the-ball-of-foot/
    Pain in the ball of your foot, may be caused by a variety of factors and is important to have this concern looked at and treated by one of our Podiatrists here at Foot Centre Group. […] The medical term for pain in the ball of the foot is metatarsalgia. It’s an umbrella term for a symptom that can have many possible causes. […] Pain in the ball of the foot can be caused by numerous different conditions. This includes morton’s neuroma( inflammation/ irritation of the nerve) other forms of neuromas, bursitis (inflammation of bursa of the foot), stress fractures, bunions, tailor’s bunions, plantar plate tears, turf toe or arthritis. […] Freiberg’s disease can also be a cause. This condition is caused by a lack of blood supply to the second, third, or fourth metatarsal head. This condition causes part of the metatarsal head to lose structural integrity, leading to collapse in the head of the second/third/fourth metatarsal and nearby joint and is generally identified through imaging, detailed history and examination.
  • #40 Foot Pain Conditions, Causes, Symptoms, Treatments | HSS
    https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_foot-pain-causes.asp
    Pain in the ball of your foot can stem from any one of these conditions: Sesamoiditis is inflammation of the small bones shaped like sesame seeds located beneath the big toe joint. […] Arthritis in one or more MTP joints can also lead to stiffness and pain in the ball of the foot. […] Morton’s neuroma is a benign growth of nerve tissue usually located between the third and fourth metatarsal heads, can cause pain in the ball of the foot. […] Metatarsalgia is a broad term that refers to pain under the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints (where the metatarsal bones meet the phalanges or toe bones), which can arise from various conditions. […] Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of your big toe, sometimes cause pain in the ball of the foot as a result of the big toe’s poor alignment as increased force is transferred under the adjacent bones. This is a common cause of metatarsalgia.
  • #41 Pain in the ball of the foot: Causes and Treatments | FCG
    https://www.footcentregroup.com.au/pain-in-the-ball-of-foot/
    Sesamoiditis is another main cause of pain in the ball of the foot. It causes inflammation of the sesamoid bones, which are pulley-like bones that are connected to tendons instead of other bones (like the kneecap). This condition is common in people who are highly physically active with pivoting movements such as dancers, soccer players, netballers or runners who are constantly on the ball of the foot (forefoot runners). […] Clients can develop pain in the ball of their foot due to a number of factors: Increased physical activity load, Foot Shape- Pes Cavus (high Arch), Pes Planus (Flat foot), Second toe longer than the big toe, Overuse of joints due to reduced muscular strength, Wearing shoes that are incorrectly fitting – wearing high heeled shoes or shoes that are too small or too big, narrow toe box, can all cause significant issues.
  • #42 Ball of Foot Pain: Expert Care at Lone Star Neurology
    https://lonestarneurology.net/blog/ball-of-foot-pain/
    The cause of ball of foot pain can be diabetes mellitus, a disease in which the vessels of the microvasculature also suffer due to impaired glucose metabolism. […] Flat feet are characterized by a change in the shape of the arch of the foot, which leads both to a redistribution of the load on the bones and muscles of the foot and to the compression of the vessels and nerves passing through that part of the sole, which normally does not participate in the act of walking. […] Inflammatory processes in the soft tissues of the foot also cause pain. If an infection gets into small wounds during a pedicure or trauma to the skin of the toes, panaritium (purulent inflammation of the periungual tissues) may develop. […] Finding out the cause of this pathology allows for effective treatment of ball of foot pain. […] Elimination of the etiological factor is the most important point in therapy, and often only it is enough to completely relieve pain.
  • #43
    https://www.villagepodiatrycenters.com/metatarsalgia
    Metatarsalgia is caused by excessive stress on the heads of the metatarsals (the long bones of the forefoot that end at the base of the toes). […] This impact can be magnified if the person also wears ill-fitting or worn out shoes. […] In many cases, metatarsalgia is related to the development of stress fractures in the metatarsals, which causes a change in stride and weight distribution in the foot. […] It can also develop as a result of atrophy of the fat pad beneath the ball of the foot. […] Symptoms of metatarsalgia may include sharp, aching or burning pain in the ball of the foot. […] Metatarsalgia may also cause sharp or shooting pain (or numbness and tingling) in the toes.
  • #44 Ball of Foot Pain Metatarsalgia Insoles | Metatarsal Orthotics – Footlogics USA
    https://footlogics-orthotics.com/ball-of-foot-pain-metatarsalgia/
    „Metatarsalgia” as it is called in medical terms is pain felt mostly in the ball of your foot. It is especially common in women who wear fashion shoes and high heels. […] This condition is caused by the collapsing of the 'transverse arch’ of the foot. This arch runs across the forefoot and is formed by the 5 metatarsal bones. […] Over-pronation happens when the arches of our feet collapse. It causes excess pressure on the metatarsals which severely weakens your forefoot structure resulting in pain in the ball of your foot. […] High-heeled footwear transfers about 60 to 80% of your body weight forward, onto the balls of your feet. This leads to the dropping of the metatarsals or forefoot bones and weakening of the surrounding ligaments. […] Being overweight places excessive pressure on your feet. Your feet were 'designed’ to carry normal body weight. People who are overweight put enormous pressure on the muscles, joints and ligaments in the foot, in particular the metatarsal bones will suffer and collapse, causing ball of foot pain.
  • #45
    https://biomch-l.isbweb.org/forum/biomch-l-forums/general-discussion/46378-foot-stiffness-and-the-metatarsal-parabola
    In a nutshell, as the ball of the foot begins to bear weight during gait, the metatarsal heads splay mediolaterally, the transverse ligament comes under increased tension, and the ball of the foot broadens. […] However, and critically, as gait progresses and the heel comes clear of the ground, the ball of the foot begins to narrow again, giving a more pronounced metatarsal arch in the distal aspect of the foot which is vital to foot stiffness during push off. […] The narrowing is a product of the different lengths of the metatarsals which gives rise to the metatarsal parabola. […] In summary, as the heel clears the ground, relative to each other the met heads move apart anteroposteriorly and together mediolaterally. […] A similar system exists, and I am being bullish here since geometry dictates it must exist, in the foot and this probably contributes a lot to foot stiffness during push off. […] During early stance, if the met heads cannot move relative to each other, then the 2nd metatarsal will be subject to excess load and the slip of the plantar fascia attached to this met head will become subject to increase load, potentially leading to medial plantar heel pain.
  • #46
    https://biomch-l.isbweb.org/forum/biomch-l-forums/general-discussion/46378-foot-stiffness-and-the-metatarsal-parabola
    In a nutshell, as the ball of the foot begins to bear weight during gait, the metatarsal heads splay mediolaterally, the transverse ligament comes under increased tension, and the ball of the foot broadens. […] However, and critically, as gait progresses and the heel comes clear of the ground, the ball of the foot begins to narrow again, giving a more pronounced metatarsal arch in the distal aspect of the foot which is vital to foot stiffness during push off. […] The narrowing is a product of the different lengths of the metatarsals which gives rise to the metatarsal parabola. […] In summary, as the heel clears the ground, relative to each other the met heads move apart anteroposteriorly and together mediolaterally. […] A similar system exists, and I am being bullish here since geometry dictates it must exist, in the foot and this probably contributes a lot to foot stiffness during push off. […] During early stance, if the met heads cannot move relative to each other, then the 2nd metatarsal will be subject to excess load and the slip of the plantar fascia attached to this met head will become subject to increase load, potentially leading to medial plantar heel pain.
  • #47 Ball of Foot Pain Metatarsalgia Insoles | Metatarsal Orthotics – Footlogics USA
    https://footlogics-orthotics.com/ball-of-foot-pain-metatarsalgia/
    „Metatarsalgia” as it is called in medical terms is pain felt mostly in the ball of your foot. It is especially common in women who wear fashion shoes and high heels. […] This condition is caused by the collapsing of the 'transverse arch’ of the foot. This arch runs across the forefoot and is formed by the 5 metatarsal bones. […] Over-pronation happens when the arches of our feet collapse. It causes excess pressure on the metatarsals which severely weakens your forefoot structure resulting in pain in the ball of your foot. […] High-heeled footwear transfers about 60 to 80% of your body weight forward, onto the balls of your feet. This leads to the dropping of the metatarsals or forefoot bones and weakening of the surrounding ligaments. […] Being overweight places excessive pressure on your feet. Your feet were 'designed’ to carry normal body weight. People who are overweight put enormous pressure on the muscles, joints and ligaments in the foot, in particular the metatarsal bones will suffer and collapse, causing ball of foot pain.
  • #48 Ball of Foot Pain Metatarsalgia Insoles | Metatarsal Orthotics – Footlogics USA
    https://footlogics-orthotics.com/ball-of-foot-pain-metatarsalgia/
    „Metatarsalgia” as it is called in medical terms is pain felt mostly in the ball of your foot. It is especially common in women who wear fashion shoes and high heels. […] This condition is caused by the collapsing of the 'transverse arch’ of the foot. This arch runs across the forefoot and is formed by the 5 metatarsal bones. […] Over-pronation happens when the arches of our feet collapse. It causes excess pressure on the metatarsals which severely weakens your forefoot structure resulting in pain in the ball of your foot. […] High-heeled footwear transfers about 60 to 80% of your body weight forward, onto the balls of your feet. This leads to the dropping of the metatarsals or forefoot bones and weakening of the surrounding ligaments. […] Being overweight places excessive pressure on your feet. Your feet were 'designed’ to carry normal body weight. People who are overweight put enormous pressure on the muscles, joints and ligaments in the foot, in particular the metatarsal bones will suffer and collapse, causing ball of foot pain.
  • #49 Ball of Foot Pain Metatarsalgia Insoles | Metatarsal Orthotics – Footlogics USA
    https://footlogics-orthotics.com/ball-of-foot-pain-metatarsalgia/
    „Metatarsalgia” as it is called in medical terms is pain felt mostly in the ball of your foot. It is especially common in women who wear fashion shoes and high heels. […] This condition is caused by the collapsing of the 'transverse arch’ of the foot. This arch runs across the forefoot and is formed by the 5 metatarsal bones. […] Over-pronation happens when the arches of our feet collapse. It causes excess pressure on the metatarsals which severely weakens your forefoot structure resulting in pain in the ball of your foot. […] High-heeled footwear transfers about 60 to 80% of your body weight forward, onto the balls of your feet. This leads to the dropping of the metatarsals or forefoot bones and weakening of the surrounding ligaments. […] Being overweight places excessive pressure on your feet. Your feet were 'designed’ to carry normal body weight. People who are overweight put enormous pressure on the muscles, joints and ligaments in the foot, in particular the metatarsal bones will suffer and collapse, causing ball of foot pain.
  • #50 What Causes Pain In The Ball Of The Foot?
    https://wphphysio.com.au/what-causes-pain-in-the-ball-of-the-foot/
    Pain in the ball of the foot is a common condition that we see and one that we get many questions about here at West Pennant Hills Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries Centre. […] Pain in the ball of the foot can also be referred to as metatarsalgia. It is a condition in which the ball of the foot becomes painful and inflamed. The area affected involves the bones at the bases of the toes, which are called the metatarsals. There are many different causes of metatarsalgia such as incorrect footwear, overuse with activities that involve running or jumping, or foot deformities. […] Intense training or activity […] This is especially with running or jumping. This is because the front of the foot absorbs more force during these activities. Participating in high impact sports can put you at risk, particularly if you have poor footwear or have worn through your shoes.
  • #51 Metatarsalgia – Ball of foot pain – Premier Medical Group
    https://www.premiermedicalhv.com/divisions/services/metatarsalgia/
    Metatarsalgia is the medical term for pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. Rather than describing a specific condition, metatarsalgia is an umbrella term for symptoms that can have varied causes. People experiencing this generally feel pain in the padding directly below the toes. This point marks the metatarsal heads, or the joints present just under the toes. The term can describe numbness, shooting pain, and/or soreness, especially when flexing the toes. In generally, injuries to the balls of feet are common in athletes and those who spend a lot of time on their feet. […] This pain is generally the result of excessive walking and running. Metatarsalgia is an overuse injury, and the condition is often due to abnormal weight distribution, persistent pressure on the area, and other musculoskeletal stressors. All causes result in excessive, localized pressure on the forefoot, which creates the pain in the ball of the foot. […] This pressure and weight distribution causes inflammation, which in turn causes the foot pain. Blood vessels in the ball of the foot dilate, and blood flow increases to allow white blood cells to swarm the injured area. In some cases, the forefoot will become red or swollen.
  • #52 Metatarsalgia – Ball of foot pain – Premier Medical Group
    https://www.premiermedicalhv.com/divisions/services/metatarsalgia/
    Metatarsalgia is the medical term for pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. Rather than describing a specific condition, metatarsalgia is an umbrella term for symptoms that can have varied causes. People experiencing this generally feel pain in the padding directly below the toes. This point marks the metatarsal heads, or the joints present just under the toes. The term can describe numbness, shooting pain, and/or soreness, especially when flexing the toes. In generally, injuries to the balls of feet are common in athletes and those who spend a lot of time on their feet. […] This pain is generally the result of excessive walking and running. Metatarsalgia is an overuse injury, and the condition is often due to abnormal weight distribution, persistent pressure on the area, and other musculoskeletal stressors. All causes result in excessive, localized pressure on the forefoot, which creates the pain in the ball of the foot. […] This pressure and weight distribution causes inflammation, which in turn causes the foot pain. Blood vessels in the ball of the foot dilate, and blood flow increases to allow white blood cells to swarm the injured area. In some cases, the forefoot will become red or swollen.
  • #53 Understanding the nature and mechanism of foot pain
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2631512/
    While mechanical stress (broadly defined as force applied to tissue) is a normal component of foot function, tissue damage occurs when the maximum stress threshold of the tissue is exceeded. This may occur with: (1) short duration, high magnitude stress; (2) long duration, low magnitude stress; or (3) repetitive moderate-magnitude stress. […] Pathological foot pain is experienced following nociceptive pathology; involving dysfunction of either or both of the peripheral or central nervous systems. […] Neuropathic foot pain is pain instigated by a primary dysfunction, lesion or transitory perturbation in the peripheral or central nervous systems. […] Inflammation produces characteristic changes within the nervous system. In early stages, inflammatory mediators activate second-messenger systems, thereby sensitising polymodal nociceptors and reducing the activation thresholds of conducting ion channels.
  • #54 Symptoms and Conditions – Ball of Foot Pain – DrScholls
    https://www.drscholls.com/pages/symptoms-and-conditions-ball-of-foot-pain?srsltid=AfmBOop0Y_yjXoUolYeFYZ9araCs1hgcxdxQUhrZHNIMT35tWw6rj695
    The ball of foot is the portion of the foot between your arch and toes, where bones called your metatarsals are located. As you walk, your weight is transferred from your heel to the ball of your foot, and if the weight is unevenly transferred to the metatarsals and over the ball of your foot, pain and swelling of the area can occur. […] Ball of foot pain, also known as metatarsalgia, can also be caused by certain foot abnormalities, such as hammertoes, which can cause incorrect pressure distribution and abnormal pressure to the ball of the foot. […] The major cause of ball of foot pain is the uneven distribution of pressure on the ball of foot bones, leading to pain on specific areas of the ball of foot. […] Pain in the ball of the foot is most often caused by inflammation. The most common source of the inflammation is pressure from high impact activities such as jumping and running.
  • #55 Understanding the nature and mechanism of foot pain
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2631512/
    While mechanical stress (broadly defined as force applied to tissue) is a normal component of foot function, tissue damage occurs when the maximum stress threshold of the tissue is exceeded. This may occur with: (1) short duration, high magnitude stress; (2) long duration, low magnitude stress; or (3) repetitive moderate-magnitude stress. […] Pathological foot pain is experienced following nociceptive pathology; involving dysfunction of either or both of the peripheral or central nervous systems. […] Neuropathic foot pain is pain instigated by a primary dysfunction, lesion or transitory perturbation in the peripheral or central nervous systems. […] Inflammation produces characteristic changes within the nervous system. In early stages, inflammatory mediators activate second-messenger systems, thereby sensitising polymodal nociceptors and reducing the activation thresholds of conducting ion channels.
  • #56 Morton’s neuroma – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mortons-neuroma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351935
    Morton’s neuroma involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This can cause a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. […] Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly the area between your third and fourth toes. […] A burning pain in the ball of your foot that may radiate into your toes. […] Morton’s neuroma seems to occur in response to irritation, pressure or injury to one of the nerves that lead to your toes. […] Wearing high-heeled shoes or shoes that are tight or ill fitting can place extra pressure on your toes and the ball of your foot.
  • #57 Foot pain under „ball” of foot @ base of 3rd and 4th toes – Triathlon Forum – Slowtwitch Forum
    https://forum.slowtwitch.com/t/foot-pain-under-ball-of-foot-base-of-3rd-and-4th-toes/575977
    During my last middle distance run, 8 miles at a cruise pace, I started to feel a bit of a sensation that reminded me of when I’d done a run with a tiny sliver in the ball (somewhere in the area of my foot. […] This morning it was slightly worse, but still not much more than a dull sensation. However, after moving about during the entire day it started to feel more and more like a really deep bruise at the base of those two toes. […] I agree with the other posters that it sounds like Morton’s neuroma (an inflamed nerve between the 3rd and 4th metatarsals). […] The key to dealing with Morton’s is to find a toe box that is wide enough to allow your toes to splay in an unconstrained way. […] It seems counterintuitive, but it isn’t vertical force from the ground through the foot that is causing the neuroma it is lateral pressure causing the rubbing/squeezing of the nerves.
  • #58 Ball of Foot Pain: Expert Care at Lone Star Neurology
    https://lonestarneurology.net/blog/ball-of-foot-pain/
    The cause of ball of foot pain can be diabetes mellitus, a disease in which the vessels of the microvasculature also suffer due to impaired glucose metabolism. […] Flat feet are characterized by a change in the shape of the arch of the foot, which leads both to a redistribution of the load on the bones and muscles of the foot and to the compression of the vessels and nerves passing through that part of the sole, which normally does not participate in the act of walking. […] Inflammatory processes in the soft tissues of the foot also cause pain. If an infection gets into small wounds during a pedicure or trauma to the skin of the toes, panaritium (purulent inflammation of the periungual tissues) may develop. […] Finding out the cause of this pathology allows for effective treatment of ball of foot pain. […] Elimination of the etiological factor is the most important point in therapy, and often only it is enough to completely relieve pain.
  • #59 Understanding the nature and mechanism of foot pain | Journal of Foot and Ankle Research | Full Text
    https://jfootankleres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1757-1146-2-1
    Currently, the aetiological mechanisms underlying some types of tissue injury within the foot are not clearly understood. […] A deeper understanding of pain is needed to identify the nature and mechanism of foot pain, its diagnosis and how best to target clinical intervention. […] Pathological foot pain is experienced following nociceptive pathology; involving dysfunction of either or both of the peripheral or central nervous systems. […] Neuropathic foot pain encompasses a heterogenous group of symptoms that share similar clinical characteristics, including spontaneous stimulus-dependent and stimulus-independent pain. […] Inflammation produces characteristic changes within the nervous system. […] Chronic foot pain does not typically share the sharp spatial localisation typical of acute foot pain.
  • #60 Morton’s neuroma – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mortons-neuroma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351935
    Morton’s neuroma involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This can cause a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. […] Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly the area between your third and fourth toes. […] A burning pain in the ball of your foot that may radiate into your toes. […] Morton’s neuroma seems to occur in response to irritation, pressure or injury to one of the nerves that lead to your toes. […] Wearing high-heeled shoes or shoes that are tight or ill fitting can place extra pressure on your toes and the ball of your foot.
  • #61 Understanding the nature and mechanism of foot pain
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2631512/
    Chronic foot pain does not typically share the sharp spatial localisation typical of acute foot pain. Chronic foot pain is characteristically diffuse, spreads beyond the original site of injury, exhibits a non-linear relationship between nociception and pain intensity, and involves adaptive changes at various levels of the nervous system.
  • #62 Metatarsalgia: Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15890-metatarsalgia
    Primary metatarsalgia can develop if there’s an issue with your metatarsals that affects their relationship with other parts of your foot. […] Secondary metatarsalgia can happen if you have health issues or do activities that increase pressure on your forefoot. Examples include inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, sesamoiditis and Morton’s neuroma. […] Iatrogenic metatarsalgia is a complication of forefoot surgery. For example, bunion surgery may lead to changes in your big toe that cause metatarsalgia pain. […] If you have any ongoing symptoms of metatarsalgia, you should see your healthcare provider. Untreated metatarsalgia can lead to other foot and ankle conditions that can cause you to limp. Metatarsalgia can also cause pain in other parts of your body, including your lower back and hip when you compensate and begin to walk abnormally.
  • #63 What Causes Pain In The Ball Of The Foot?
    https://wphphysio.com.au/what-causes-pain-in-the-ball-of-the-foot/
    If left untreated, you may develop pain in other parts of the body such as the lower back or hip, especially if you are limping. Other muscles begin to overcompensate and work harder than they should be. This is why it is important to address the issue as soon as possible. In order to prevent ball of foot pain it is important to wear comfortable shoes and maintain a healthy weight. […] Most cases can be resolved with conservative treatment. In very rare cases surgery may be indicated to correct the toe alignment or remove a neuroma.
  • #64 Metatarsalgia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | Pain in Ball of Foot
    https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/foot-health/metatarsalgia
    Left untreated, metatarsalgia can lead to complications. Pain in the forefoot often leads people to adapt and change their walking gait to minimize the pain. This can eventually make the problem worse and cause lower back pain and hip pain. When pain in the ball of your foot is due to an injury, such as ligament or bone damage, failing to treat it can lead to improper healing. This can result in chronic pain and foot problems.
  • #65 Metatarsalgia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | Pain in Ball of Foot
    https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/foot-health/metatarsalgia
    Left untreated, metatarsalgia can lead to complications. Pain in the forefoot often leads people to adapt and change their walking gait to minimize the pain. This can eventually make the problem worse and cause lower back pain and hip pain. When pain in the ball of your foot is due to an injury, such as ligament or bone damage, failing to treat it can lead to improper healing. This can result in chronic pain and foot problems.
  • #66 Metatarsalgia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | Pain in Ball of Foot
    https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/foot-health/metatarsalgia
    Left untreated, metatarsalgia can lead to complications. Pain in the forefoot often leads people to adapt and change their walking gait to minimize the pain. This can eventually make the problem worse and cause lower back pain and hip pain. When pain in the ball of your foot is due to an injury, such as ligament or bone damage, failing to treat it can lead to improper healing. This can result in chronic pain and foot problems.
  • #67 How to Treat Pain in the Ball of the Foot from Metatarsalgia
    https://ankleandfootcenters.com/pain-in-the-ball-of-the-foot/
    Metatarsalgia is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. Typically, this discomfort occurs under the metatarsal bones, which connect the toes to the rest of the foot. People with metatarsalgia often describe the pain as sharp, burning, or aching. […] There are several factors that can contribute to this condition. For example, wearing shoes that lack proper support, engaging in high-impact activities like running, or having foot abnormalities such as high arches or bunions can all increase the risk. Over time, these issues place excess pressure on the metatarsals, which eventually leads to pain. […] If left untreated, metatarsalgia can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. Therefore, consulting a podiatrist early can help identify the cause and provide relief through targeted treatments.
  • #68 Metatarsalgia: Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15890-metatarsalgia
    Metatarsalgia treatment starts conservatively. That means your healthcare provider will want to avoid invasive measures like surgery and try simple, cautious options first. […] You can’t prevent all cases of metatarsalgia, but there are ways you can avoid developing it. You may be able to prevent metatarsalgia by picking shoes with good soles, a wide toe box and a lower heel. […] If you have metatarsalgia, you may have severe pain and inflammation in your foot. The pain may come on quickly or develop over time. […] With some basic measures, you should be able to treat metatarsalgia yourself and be on your way. If the pain continues after at-home treatment, you’ll want to see your healthcare provider for further evaluation. […] Metatarsalgia pain can be intense. It can make it difficult for you to enjoy the things you love. You may not even be able to walk.
  • #69 Ball of Foot Pain Causes and Treatment Options | El Paso Podiatrist | The Foot Institute
    https://www.thefootinstitute.com/faqs/ball-of-foot-pain-causes-treatments.cfm
    Pain in the ball of your foot is typically caused by excessive pressure on the metatarsal bones. Often referred to as metatarsalgia, this type of discomfort can arise from improper footwear, high-impact activities, foot deformities, or conditions like arthritis. […] The metatarsal-phalangeal (MTP) joints lie between the heads of the metatarsal bones and your toes. These joints are surrounded by a complex network of nerves, tendons, and ligaments. When something disrupts the normal function of these structures, pain often follows. […] Many factors can contribute to the development of metatarsalgia. The most common causes of this painful condition include: Overuse injuries. High-impact activities like running, jumping, or dancing place repetitive stress on the forefoot, which, over time, can lead to inflammation and pain. Ill-fitting shoes. High heels, pointed-toe shoes, and footwear that’s too tight can cramp the toes and put excessive pressure on the MTP joints. Conversely, shoes that are too loose may allow the foot to slide and rub, causing irritation. Foot deformities. Conditions like bunions, hammer toes, and high arches can change the way weight is distributed across the foot, putting extra stress on the MTP joints. This imbalance can trigger metatarsalgia symptoms. Excess weight. Carrying extra pounds amplifies the load on your forefoot with every step. Over time, the increased pressure from extra weight can strain the MTP joints and surrounding tissues. Inflammatory conditions. Certain types of arthritis, bursitis, and nerve irritation can lead to inflammation in the ball of the foot, resulting in pain and stiffness.
  • #70 What Causes Pain In The Ball Of The Foot?
    https://wphphysio.com.au/what-causes-pain-in-the-ball-of-the-foot/
    Certain foot shapes […] Different shaped feet can also predispose you to developing pain in the ball of your foot. For example, having your second toe longer than the big toe, or small curled up toes also known as hammertoes. Having a high arch can put more pressure on the front of your foot and put you at risk of developing metatarsalgia. […] Footwear […] Footwear is a key risk factor that can cause pain in the ball of the foot. For example, wearing high heels transfers extra weight to the front of your foot. Shoes that have a narrow toe box can also contribute to the problem as they squeeze the toes together causing pain. Athletic shoes that lack arch support are also detrimental. […] Excess weight […] As you move, most of your body weight transfers from the heel to the forefoot. A risk factor of developing this condition is being overweight or obese. Extra weight means more pressure on the front of the feet (metatarsals). Losing weight may help to reduce or eliminate symptoms.
  • #71 Understanding the nature and mechanism of foot pain
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2631512/
    While mechanical stress (broadly defined as force applied to tissue) is a normal component of foot function, tissue damage occurs when the maximum stress threshold of the tissue is exceeded. This may occur with: (1) short duration, high magnitude stress; (2) long duration, low magnitude stress; or (3) repetitive moderate-magnitude stress. […] Pathological foot pain is experienced following nociceptive pathology; involving dysfunction of either or both of the peripheral or central nervous systems. […] Neuropathic foot pain is pain instigated by a primary dysfunction, lesion or transitory perturbation in the peripheral or central nervous systems. […] Inflammation produces characteristic changes within the nervous system. In early stages, inflammatory mediators activate second-messenger systems, thereby sensitising polymodal nociceptors and reducing the activation thresholds of conducting ion channels.
  • #72 Understanding the nature and mechanism of foot pain
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2631512/
    Currently, the nature and mechanism underlying many types of foot pain is not clearly understood. […] Currently, the aetiological mechanisms underlying some types of tissue injury within the foot are not clearly understood. As a result, interventions targeting foot pain in clinical trials often lack specific targets (e.g. plantar heel pain). […] A deeper understanding of pain is needed to identify the nature and mechanism of foot pain, its diagnosis and how best to target clinical intervention. […] Tissue damage in the foot may occur via chemical, mechanical or thermal stimulation associated with direct trauma, musculoskeletal overload, infection, or systemic or proximal pathology (e.g. nerve entrapment, diabetic neuropathy). Many common types of foot pain such as tendonitis, stress fracture, corns and callus are routinely attributed, in part or full, to mechanical stress.
  • #73 Metatarsalgia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | Pain in Ball of Foot
    https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/foot-health/metatarsalgia
    Left untreated, metatarsalgia can lead to complications. Pain in the forefoot often leads people to adapt and change their walking gait to minimize the pain. This can eventually make the problem worse and cause lower back pain and hip pain. When pain in the ball of your foot is due to an injury, such as ligament or bone damage, failing to treat it can lead to improper healing. This can result in chronic pain and foot problems.