Discover causes, symptoms, and treatments for ball of foot pain. Whether it’s due to metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma, or overuse, Balance Foot & Ankle
Ball of foot pain shoes need to reduce metatarsal head pressure, not just cushion it — and most marketed “metatarsalgia shoes” achieve neither. Michigan podiatrist explains the rocker sole geometry and metatarsal bar position that actually offloads the metatarsal heads and the specific models that get it right.
Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS Board-certified foot & ankle surgeon · 3,000+ surgeries · @MichiganFootDoctors (950K+ subscribers) Last reviewed May 11, 2026 · (810) 206-1402 Metatarsalgia: Evidence-Based Stretches, Massage Techniques, and Metatarsal Pad Protocol Metatarsalgia — pain in the ball of the foot under the metatarsal heads — responds well to a specific … Read more
Quick answer: Mulder’s click test is the most widely used Morton’s neuroma test: the examiner squeezes the forefoot side-to-side while pressing between the metatarsal heads, and a palpable or audible click with pain suggests a neuroma. It’s a useful bedside sign, but ultrasound or MRI confirms the diagnosis. Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM … Read more