Ball of the Foot Pain
Middle Toe Pain [Causes, Symptoms & Best Home Treatment]
90% of the time, middle toe pain is usually caused in the ball of the foot. We go over the middle toe pain causes, symptoms, and best home treatment!
Look:
- Middle toe pain can be improved with a few simple treatment changes.
- We are foot doctors & we see this problem get better almost every day.
- The goal is to solve this problem without medication or surgery if at all possible.
So, let’s GO!
Table of Contents
How to treat middle of the toe pain video:
Middle of the toe pain causes:
Ball of the Foot Pain Pictures & Photo Gallery:
Look:
- Metatarsalgia: which means generalized foot pain without a specific cause.
- Second toe capsulitis: this is the inflammation of the second toe joint capsule.
- Capsulitis is related to hammertoe formation, and can lead to a plantar plate tear. There is some overlap between these three disorders. As they get worse tearing and ligament damage can occur.
- Morton’s neuroma: this is the damage and inflammation to the nerves between and underneath the metatarsal joints.
- Fat pad atrophy of the ball of the foot: this is the loss of cushioning in the ball the foot.
- Plantar Plate Tear: A plantar plate tear is ripping of the ligaments holding the toe together.
So, click on the photo gallery to see the specific causes of your ball of the foot pain!
Click on the photo gallery to see the specific causes of your ball of the foot pain!
Middle Toe Pain Symptoms:
Symptoms of middle toe pain include:
- Numbness.
- Burning.
- Tingling.
- Sharp, shooting pain.
- Red and aching toes.
- Curved toes.
Middle Toe Pain Causes:
- There are many causes of having pain in your toes.
- Middle toe pain can be caused by arthritis in the phalanges and joints.
This is most common in people who have very tight hamstrings. The calf muscles are putting much more pressure on the ball the foot. This can lead to neuroma, metatarsal, or even stress fracture pain.
2nd toe, 3rd toe, and 4th toe Hammer Toes:
- Tight ligaments and tendons of the toes can cause deformity of the toes, causing your toes unable to flatten.
- This condition is referred to as hammertoe.
- Hammertoe can be very painful and lead to many more issues.
- Walking can become more difficult because of this.
Metatarsalgia:
- Metatarsalgia means pain in the ball of your foot.
- This can be related to 2nd toe pre-dislocation syndrome.
Metatarsalgia means pressure across the ball of your foot. This can lead to middle toe soreness and pain.
Plantar Plate Pain:
- The plantar plate is the ligament that holds your 2nd metatarsal phalangeal joint in place.
- This can also affect the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th toes.
- This video will show you how to tape your toes!
Tight Shoes:
- Shoes have a big impact on toes.
- Proper footwear can help prevent most issues.
- Try to wear shoes with plenty of room for your toes.
- If you do have pain seek out your podiatrist to have, your feet examined.
Morton Neuroma:
- Some nerves run in between your toes that can become injured, irritated, and swollen—this causes extreme pain in most situations.
- This is usually under the toe near the joint.
Other Pain in Middle Toes Causes:
The most common reasons for pain in the middle of the toes and the ball of the foot are listed here. Click on the links to find out what is causing this pain!
If your big toe is bent and you are having pain in your big toe.
If your big toe is straight, if you have difficulty bending due to a big lump, you are still having pain at this site.
If the central three toes in your foot are still hurting.
Click this link if you think you jammed your big toe, causing you to walk on the side of your foot.
Click on this link if you think the entire front of your foot is aching.
If it is mostly underneath your second toe, that is hurting.
If the majority of your pain is coming from the fifth toe.
If the pain is in the front, but mostly on the outside of your foot.
If it is in the middle of the foot but mostly on top.
If you think arthritis is what is causing this pain.
If you get cramps or spasms during the day.
If you have a very long second toe that is causing you pain.
For 5th Toe Pain Get Gel Pads:
- These gel pads will take a ton of pressure off your 5th toe.
![Middle toe pain 5 Povihome 10 Pack Pinky Toe Separator and Protectors, Triple Gel Toe Separators for Overlapping Toe, Curled Pinky Toes Separate and Protect](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41xwGGfIStL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 6 Bunionette Corrector Pads - 6-Pack of Small Pinky Toe Tailors Bunion Pain Relief Protectors with Premium Gel Cushions - Best Foot Orthotics and Toe Straightener Sleeve. Unisex](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31b9W+6mTsL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 7 Natracure Advanced Gel Toe Separator (w/Toe Loop) - Spacer, Corrector, Straightener to Cushion and Align Bent, Crooked, Overlapping Toes - Corns, Pinky Tailor Bunions - (1104-M CAT 2PK) - Size: Small](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41pcW37weuL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 8 YogaToes GEMS: Gel Toe Stretcher & Separator - America’s Choice for Fighting Bunions, Hammer Toes (Small fits Shoe Sizes W: 7.5-11 / M: 7-10,) 1 Pair](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41XD1bULgSL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 9 Doctor's Choice Bunion Relief Quarter Sock with Split Toe Separator and Soft Cushioning for Hallux Valgus, (White/Black, Medium) Womens Shoe Size: 6-10](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31DTihQc4BL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 5 Povihome 10 Pack Pinky Toe Separator and Protectors, Triple Gel Toe Separators for Overlapping Toe, Curled Pinky Toes Separate and Protect](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41xwGGfIStL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 6 Bunionette Corrector Pads - 6-Pack of Small Pinky Toe Tailors Bunion Pain Relief Protectors with Premium Gel Cushions - Best Foot Orthotics and Toe Straightener Sleeve. Unisex](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31b9W+6mTsL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 7 Natracure Advanced Gel Toe Separator (w/Toe Loop) - Spacer, Corrector, Straightener to Cushion and Align Bent, Crooked, Overlapping Toes - Corns, Pinky Tailor Bunions - (1104-M CAT 2PK) - Size: Small](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41pcW37weuL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 8 YogaToes GEMS: Gel Toe Stretcher & Separator - America’s Choice for Fighting Bunions, Hammer Toes (Small fits Shoe Sizes W: 7.5-11 / M: 7-10,) 1 Pair](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41XD1bULgSL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 9 Doctor's Choice Bunion Relief Quarter Sock with Split Toe Separator and Soft Cushioning for Hallux Valgus, (White/Black, Medium) Womens Shoe Size: 6-10](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31DTihQc4BL._SL160_.jpg)
Ball of the Foot Pain Treatment Infographic:
Ball of the Foot Home Treatment:
- Consider taping, orthotics, and great shoes as a combination to fix your foot problem.
- Products are not always necessary to fix your problem.
- The key is correcting the biomechanical problems that are leading to forefoot overload.
- Foot overload means too much pressure in the ball of the foot.
- Generally, something called ankle joint equinus can lead to too much pressure in the ball of your foot. This means your ankle is not flexible enough to move up and down.
- Ball of the foot pain treatment consists of two phases, first is control inflammation, next is to control bio-mechanics.
Remove Control Inflammation:
Massage & Ice Products:
- The metal ball is one of my personal favorites.
- This works great for your arch, less for the ball of the foot.
- These can help relax the arch or heel ligaments, leading to less pressure in the ball of the foot.
- Pills, creams, and ice will never completely fix your problem alone. What they will do is reduce the pressure on the area.
![Middle toe pain 16 Recoup Fitness Cryosphere Cold Massage Roller - 6 Hours Cold Relief - Ice Cup - Myofascial Release- Great for Recovery - Free Rolling Removable Ball - Deep Tissue Massage - Pain Relief - Ice Pack](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41U7SX7hboL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 17 TheraFlow Compact Foot Roller for Plantar Fasciitis Relief - Portable and Small Foot Massager for Neuropathy | Targets Foot Pain with Reflexology | Travel Size Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41AOHvytR2L._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 18 THERABAND Foot Roller for Foot Pain Relief, Massage Ball Roller for Arch Pain, Plantar Fasciitis Treatment, Heel Spurs Reliever, Tired Feet, Best Foot Massager with Ridges for Self Myofascial Release](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41eP1NdjT+L._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 16 Recoup Fitness Cryosphere Cold Massage Roller - 6 Hours Cold Relief - Ice Cup - Myofascial Release- Great for Recovery - Free Rolling Removable Ball - Deep Tissue Massage - Pain Relief - Ice Pack](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41U7SX7hboL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 17 TheraFlow Compact Foot Roller for Plantar Fasciitis Relief - Portable and Small Foot Massager for Neuropathy | Targets Foot Pain with Reflexology | Travel Size Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41AOHvytR2L._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 18 THERABAND Foot Roller for Foot Pain Relief, Massage Ball Roller for Arch Pain, Plantar Fasciitis Treatment, Heel Spurs Reliever, Tired Feet, Best Foot Massager with Ridges for Self Myofascial Release](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41eP1NdjT+L._SL160_.jpg)
Menthol Based Gels:
- Biofreeze is one of our favorites.
- These gels have been studied to work 2x as long as ice.
- This works great for the ball of the foot.
- Consider using these as options when resting on the couch or going to sleep at night.
![Middle toe pain 22 Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel, Arthritis Pain Reliver, Knee & Lower Back Pain Relief, Sore Muscle Relief, Neck Pain Relief, Pharmacist Recommended, FSA Eligible, 3 Pack (4 FL OZ Biofreeze Menthol Gel)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41xRZdvvg3L._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 23 Biofreeze Pain Relief Roll-On, 3 oz. Roll-On, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, & Powerful Topical Pain Reliever, Pack of 3 (Packaging May Vary)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41g5-ig3J8L._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 24 Biofreeze Menthol Pain Relieving Gel 1 Gallon Bottle With Pump Topical Pain Relief For Sore Muscles, Arthritis, Backache, And Joint Pain, Original Green Formula, (Packaging May Vary)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31kY1eoOd6L._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 25 HEMPACTIV Joint & Muscle Relief Cream, Infused with Hemp, Menthol, MSM & Arnica, Soothe Discomfort in Your Back, Muscles, Joints, Neck, Shoulder, Knee, Nerves - 2 Fl Oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51HX8regcfL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 22 Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel, Arthritis Pain Reliver, Knee & Lower Back Pain Relief, Sore Muscle Relief, Neck Pain Relief, Pharmacist Recommended, FSA Eligible, 3 Pack (4 FL OZ Biofreeze Menthol Gel)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41xRZdvvg3L._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 23 Biofreeze Pain Relief Roll-On, 3 oz. Roll-On, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, & Powerful Topical Pain Reliever, Pack of 3 (Packaging May Vary)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41g5-ig3J8L._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 24 Biofreeze Menthol Pain Relieving Gel 1 Gallon Bottle With Pump Topical Pain Relief For Sore Muscles, Arthritis, Backache, And Joint Pain, Original Green Formula, (Packaging May Vary)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31kY1eoOd6L._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 25 HEMPACTIV Joint & Muscle Relief Cream, Infused with Hemp, Menthol, MSM & Arnica, Soothe Discomfort in Your Back, Muscles, Joints, Neck, Shoulder, Knee, Nerves - 2 Fl Oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51HX8regcfL._SL160_.jpg)
Massage Sticks:
- These can work great for loosening your muscles.
- This is means for your hamstring and calf muscles. This can loosen the ankle tightness, putting pressure on the ball of your foot.
- This allows less tightness and pressure on the ball of your foot.
![Middle toe pain 30 Tiger Tail 18in Massage Stick Portable Roller, Handheld, Deep Tissue Foam Roller, Body Massage and Myofascial Release Tool for Legs, Neck, Calves, Thighs, Shins & Back, The Original 18, Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41yZi+w3fsL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 31 Top Rated Muscle Roller Massage Stick: A Sports Body Massager Tool-Release Myofascial Trigger Points, Reduce Muscle Soreness, Tightness and Leg Cramps, Rub Muscle for Relief and Recovery](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31qRFvHvdhS._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 32 TISSCARE Shiatsu Calf Foot Massager Machine with Heat Leg Massager, Deep-Kneading for Tired Calf Leg Arm Plantar Fasciitis Neuropathy, Tired Muscles w/Adjustable bar (Dark Grey)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51+0Rp7uefL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 30 Tiger Tail 18in Massage Stick Portable Roller, Handheld, Deep Tissue Foam Roller, Body Massage and Myofascial Release Tool for Legs, Neck, Calves, Thighs, Shins & Back, The Original 18, Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41yZi+w3fsL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 31 Top Rated Muscle Roller Massage Stick: A Sports Body Massager Tool-Release Myofascial Trigger Points, Reduce Muscle Soreness, Tightness and Leg Cramps, Rub Muscle for Relief and Recovery](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31qRFvHvdhS._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 32 TISSCARE Shiatsu Calf Foot Massager Machine with Heat Leg Massager, Deep-Kneading for Tired Calf Leg Arm Plantar Fasciitis Neuropathy, Tired Muscles w/Adjustable bar (Dark Grey)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51+0Rp7uefL._SL160_.jpg)
Ball of the Foot Stress Relief.
- The key is to prevent future pain.
- If you can get rid of the pain and swelling, this will let you start walking normally.
- If you can walk normally, the vast majority of your pain should gradually start to go away.
- This means proper cushion, proper stability, and pressure relief from the front of your foot.
- This will relieve pressure from your big toe, your 2nd toe, your Morton’s neuroma, your plantar plate, hammertoes and joint capsules.
Best Metatarsalgia Shoes:
- Getting a great supportive pair of shoes will make sure that there is pressure removed from the ball of your foot.
- This is especially important if you have metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma, 2nd metatarsal overload syndrome, and capsulitis!
- Consider shoes combined with a good supportive orthotic for the best pain relief!
- The following link will show you what our favorites are.
Best Ball of the Foot Insoles:
- These are our recommended orthotics & insoles.
- There are different types of different shoes.
- Women’s shoes usually need a less bulky orthotic but allow for less correction.
- A full-length orthotic requires a running shoe, boot, or comfortable walking/dress shoe.
Best Full-Length Orthotics:
- Full-length orthotics are the most recommended type for the ball of the foot pain.
- Be aware that if they are too uncomfortable, it might be worth starting with a less corrective pair.
- Eventually, you can then work your way up to these.
![Middle toe pain 37 PowerStep Original Insoles - Arch Pain Relief Orthotics for Tight Shoes - Foot Support for Plantar Fasciitis, Mild Pronation and Foot & Arch Pain - Shoe Inserts for All (M 8-8.5, F 10-10.5)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ZmwrxNGBL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 38 PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Orthotic Insoles - Orthotics for Overpronation with Maximum Stability & Comfort - Firm + Flexible Angled Heel Style to Help Flat Feet - Heavy Duty Inserts (M 10-10.5, F 12)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51dUhD7LhsL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 39 220+ lbs Plantar Fasciitis Strong Arch Support Insoles Inserts Men Women - Flat Feet Orthotic Insoles High Arch for Arch Pain - Work Boot Shoe Insole - Heavy Duty Support](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ly6r7aiGL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 40 Superfeet All-Purpose Women's High Impact Support Insoles (Berry) - Trim-To-Fit Orthotic Arch Support Inserts for Women's Running Shoes - Professional Grade - Size 8.5-10 Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41PMSKa8xrL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 37 PowerStep Original Insoles - Arch Pain Relief Orthotics for Tight Shoes - Foot Support for Plantar Fasciitis, Mild Pronation and Foot & Arch Pain - Shoe Inserts for All (M 8-8.5, F 10-10.5)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ZmwrxNGBL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 38 PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Orthotic Insoles - Orthotics for Overpronation with Maximum Stability & Comfort - Firm + Flexible Angled Heel Style to Help Flat Feet - Heavy Duty Inserts (M 10-10.5, F 12)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51dUhD7LhsL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 39 220+ lbs Plantar Fasciitis Strong Arch Support Insoles Inserts Men Women - Flat Feet Orthotic Insoles High Arch for Arch Pain - Work Boot Shoe Insole - Heavy Duty Support](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ly6r7aiGL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 40 Superfeet All-Purpose Women's High Impact Support Insoles (Berry) - Trim-To-Fit Orthotic Arch Support Inserts for Women's Running Shoes - Professional Grade - Size 8.5-10 Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41PMSKa8xrL._SL160_.jpg)
Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
- These are a stronger option for shoes with tight dress shoes.
- Just be aware that less corrective orthotics & tight shoes are usually not a good combination.
![Middle toe pain 45 Powerstep Signature Dress 3/4-Length Insoles – Dress Shoe Insoles for Men and Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31gNhdC7BVL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 46 Powerstep Signature Dress Full-Length Insoles for Men and Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31RzbYbrdFL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 47 Superfeet Casual Men's Easyfit Insoles - Comfort Shoe Inserts for Men - Anti-Fatigue Orthotic Insoles for Dress Shoes - Professional Grade - Size 7.5-9 Men](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31GciX4ytrL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 45 Powerstep Signature Dress 3/4-Length Insoles – Dress Shoe Insoles for Men and Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31gNhdC7BVL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 46 Powerstep Signature Dress Full-Length Insoles for Men and Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31RzbYbrdFL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 47 Superfeet Casual Men's Easyfit Insoles - Comfort Shoe Inserts for Men - Anti-Fatigue Orthotic Insoles for Dress Shoes - Professional Grade - Size 7.5-9 Men](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31GciX4ytrL._SL160_.jpg)
Best 3/4 Length Orthotics:
- These may be a good option for the ball of the foot if the full-length orthotics are too tight or too uncomfortable.
![Middle toe pain 51 Powerstep SlenderFit Fashion Orthotic-W](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/319Md+W9SHL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 51 Powerstep SlenderFit Fashion Orthotic-W](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/319Md+W9SHL._SL160_.jpg)
Get A Great Dynamic Stretch:
- It is possible to stretch on your own, but these products can also really help!
- Personally, I have the stationary block set up in my kitchen to stretch every day multiple times while getting my coffee!
- This will take pressure off of the ball of your foot.
![Middle toe pain 53 Rolling With It Premium Calf Stretcher and Foot Rocker for Plantar Fasciitis Relief, Achilles Tendonitis, Increase Mobility and Flexibility, Improve Range of Motion With our Foot Stretcher](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51XsFahL0kL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 54 North American Healthcare Foot Rocker Blue -Optimal Foot Position for Flexibility, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and other Chronic Conditions](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41I4zWIHxgL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 55 Professional Wooden Slant Board, Adjustable Incline Calf Stretch Slantboard with Full Non-Slip Surface, 16 inches x 12.5 inches, 5 Positions (350 LB Capacity) (Edition 1)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dUKl8uzxL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 56 IdealStretch - The Original Hamstring, Lower Back & Calf Stretching Device - Ultimate Pain Relief & Deep Knee Extension Tool - Ideal Stretch Hamstring Stretcher Machine for Enhanced Flexibility](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41oCB322s-L._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 53 Rolling With It Premium Calf Stretcher and Foot Rocker for Plantar Fasciitis Relief, Achilles Tendonitis, Increase Mobility and Flexibility, Improve Range of Motion With our Foot Stretcher](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51XsFahL0kL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 54 North American Healthcare Foot Rocker Blue -Optimal Foot Position for Flexibility, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and other Chronic Conditions](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41I4zWIHxgL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 55 Professional Wooden Slant Board, Adjustable Incline Calf Stretch Slantboard with Full Non-Slip Surface, 16 inches x 12.5 inches, 5 Positions (350 LB Capacity) (Edition 1)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dUKl8uzxL._SL160_.jpg)
![Middle toe pain 56 IdealStretch - The Original Hamstring, Lower Back & Calf Stretching Device - Ultimate Pain Relief & Deep Knee Extension Tool - Ideal Stretch Hamstring Stretcher Machine for Enhanced Flexibility](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41oCB322s-L._SL160_.jpg)
Ball of the Foot Pain