Pain in the ball of the foot, known as metatarsalgia, is a common condition that affects the long bones of the foot. It can feel like a sharp, aching, or burning pain, often worsened by standing, walking, or wearing tight shoes. You may also feel like you are stepping on a pebble, and the area can appear red, swollen, or bruised. Common causes include high-impact activities, wearing unsupportive or ill-fitting shoes, high arches, excess weight, aging, and foot deformities like hammertoes or bunions. Sometimes, stress fractures in the metatarsals can also cause similar discomfort. A podiatrist can examine your foot, order imaging tests, if needed, and recommend effective treatments. These include custom orthotics, shoe changes, and anti-inflammatory medication. Surgery may be needed if the pain is caused by structural issues or fractures. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnose and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.