Ball of the Foot Pain
Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes [Causes, Symptoms & Best Treatment]
Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes is known as an area called the ball of the foot. The #1) cause is metatarsalgia. #2) Morton’s neuroma & more. FIX IT!
Look!
- If you have pain in the sole near the toes, Treat it!
- We go over the BEST ball of the foot treatment!
- We go over the best ball of the foot shoes!
So Let’s Go!
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 1 Metatarsalgia, Morton's neuroma, 2nd toe capsulitis, plantar plate](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/uploads/2013/10/ball-of-the-foot-pain-1-410x1024.jpg)
Table of Contents
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!
Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes Overview:
- This region is most commonly called the ball of the foot.
- The most common causes of pain here area metatarsal stress fracture, Morton’s neuroma, metatarsalgia and along second toe combined with the bunion.
- We will go over the causes and best home treatments in this guide.
- When seeing a podiatrist, they can help you choose great shoes, great orthotic and assess for possible further injuries.
Pain in the Ball of the Foot Treatment Guide
Causes:
Capsulitis is an irritation of the joint capsule at the base of your toes. This joint normally allows your big toe and little toes joints to pivot on the front of the foot; but when capsulitis occurs they become swollen and inflamed to the point where it hurts to put any pressure on the front of the toes. Capsulitis is very well documented and treatable. Click on the Capsulitis link to learn more.
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 3 Middle Toe Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Best Home Treatment](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/uploads/2019/09/6K0A1696-wpp1572312321777-e1572312339913-300x261.jpg)
This is generalized pain in the forefoot and the ball of the foot region that hurts at the base of toes two through four primarily, but it can hurt in the entire forefoot. This term is reserved for situation where there is no specific problem in the foot at all, but the foot is just sore from extra weight bearing, pressure and tight shoes. Click on the Metatarsalgia link to learn more.
Morton’s Neuralgia occurs primarily in the ball of the foot around the 3rd-4th toe and it can feel like a sharp shooting pain. This pain can also show numbness, burning and tingling. It feels like there is a pebble in your forefoot that can pop in and out, it gets better when you massage your forefoot.
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 4 Morton Neuroma Compression Best treatment 2020](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/uploads/2018/12/morton-neuroma-300x169.png)
A stress fracture can occur if the pain has appeared gradually over weeks. This occurs primarily in weekend warriors who started running and walking heavily in the recent past.
This should be considered when your second toe feels loose, usually after a big fall on the front of your foot. If the toe starts drifting up or crossing over the big toe, consider this especially.
Symptoms:
- Symptoms usually include pain underneath the second toe joint.
- Pain when you wake up in the morning in the ball of the foot in front of the foot.
- A bunion or stiffness through the big toe.
- A tight ankle or tight leg on the site of pain.
- Pain that gets worse in the front of the foot the longer you stand on it.
- Pain through the fifth toe more sharp shooting pain through the fifth toe.
- Numbness developing through the toes.
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 5 Metatarsalgia ball of the foot pain](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/uploads/2019/10/img_20191002_152029-wpp1570617907200-225x300.jpg)
This is most common in people who have very tight hamstrings calf muscles are putting much more pressure on the ball the foot. This can lead to neuroma, metatarsal or even stress fracture pain.
Is the Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes something other than these?
If this does not sound like your problem, follow this link for you Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes Treatment:
Pain in the Ball of the Foot Treatment Guide
References:
Ball of the Foot Pain Treatment Infographic:
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 6 Morton's neuroma, hammer toe, plantar plate treatment](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/uploads/2020/05/ball-of-the-foot-treatment-410x1024.jpg)
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.
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 7 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 8 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 9 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 7 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 8 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 9 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.
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 13 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 14 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 15 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 16 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 13 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 14 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 15 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 16 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.
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 21 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 22 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 23 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 21 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 22 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 23 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.
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 28 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 29 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 30 220+ 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 31 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 28 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 29 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 30 220+ 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 31 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.
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 36 Powerstep Signature Dress 3/4-Length Insoles – Dress Shoe Insoles for Men and Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31gNhdC7BVL._SL160_.jpg)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 37 Powerstep Signature Dress Full-Length Insoles for Men and Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31RzbYbrdFL._SL160_.jpg)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 38 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 36 Powerstep Signature Dress 3/4-Length Insoles – Dress Shoe Insoles for Men and Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31gNhdC7BVL._SL160_.jpg)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 37 Powerstep Signature Dress Full-Length Insoles for Men and Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31RzbYbrdFL._SL160_.jpg)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 38 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.
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 42 Powerstep SlenderFit Fashion Orthotic-W](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/319Md+W9SHL._SL160_.jpg)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 42 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.
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 44 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 45 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 46 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 47 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 44 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 45 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 46 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)
![Pain in Sole of Foot Near Toes 47 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)
Best Shoes for ball of the foot pain:
If you have pain near the ball of the foot, we go over the best shoes for ball of the foot pain!
Click hear for the best podiatrist recommend shoes for the ball of the foot pain!
Ball of the Foot Pain