Why does the ball of my foot hurt?

Pain in the ball of the foot is often referred to as metatarsalgia.  The term metatarsalgia just simply means pain that is in the metatarsals.  There are several different causes of this pain such as stress fractures, neuromas, abnormalities in the length of the bones in the feet that can cause capsulitis, and a tight achilles tendon (equinus).  Other more rare causes include Freiberg's infraction or avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head and bone spur formation.

Many of these problems can be helped with shoe modifications or using a custom orthotic with different types of built in pads called metatarsal pads or metatarsal bars.  When conservative therapy fails to relieve the pain, sometimes surgical options can be used as a last resort if necessary. 

If you are experiencing foot and ankle pain, it is not normal, and we can help.  Call our Colorado Springs foot and ankle doctor today at 719-488-4664, so we can get you back on your feet!