Ball Of Foot Pain

Ball Of Foot Pain (Metatarsalgia)

This is a condition that is described as generalized pain and inflammation located under the ball of the foot, often described by excess pressure along the five metatarsals which are the bones behind the toes forming the ball of the foot. The key to treating this condition is finding the underlying cause of the increase pressure. Once the cause is found metatarsalgia usually response very well to conservative treatment.

Causes

  • High Arch foot
  • Bunions
  • Fat pad atrophy
  • Neurological disorders
  • Trauma

Signs & Symptoms

  • Pain in the ball of the foot
  • Sharp pain when walking
  • Pain when walking barefoot
  • Callus formation in areas of increased pressure
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Capsulitis

Capsulitis

Inflammation of the joint capsule is called capsulitis. Capsulitis of the metatarsophalangeal joint or the joint connecting the toes and their respective metatarsal bones is a type of metatarsalgia. A joint capsule essentially surrounds these bones and helps hold them together.

When the joint capsule is exposed to too much pressure from activities like walking, running or jumping it can become inflamed. Capsulitis is a common problem treated at our clinic. Our goal in treating this condition is to focus on decreasing pressure off the painful area allowing the inflammation to subside.

Causes

  • Abnormal foot mechanics
  • Excessive weightbearing pressure
  • Bunion deformity
  • Second toe longer than the big toe
  • High heel shoes

Signs & Symptoms

  • Ball of foot pain
  • Sensation of walking on a stone or pebble
  • Swelling at base of toe
  • Callus formation along the impacted joint
  • Redness of skin at impact joint
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Hammertoe

Hammertoe

A hammertoe is a general term used to describe any rigid or flexible contracture of a toe joint. Specifically a hammertoe is a contracture of the proximal interphalangeal toe joint causing the toe to resemble a hammer. A mallet toe is a contracture of the distal interphalangeal toe joint and a claw toe is a contracture of both of these joints.

The deformity usually presents in the lesser digits which are the second, third, fourth and fifth toes. Left untreated, hammertoes can become inflexible and require surgery. People with hammertoe may have corns or calluses on the top of the middle joint of the toe or on the tip of the toe. They may also feel pain in their toes or feet and have difficulty finding comfortable shoes.

Causes

  • Muscle tendon and ligament imbalance
  • Diabetes
  • Neurological disorders
  • Low arch foot or excessive pronation
  • Improperly fitting shoe gear

Signs & Symptoms

  • Bony prominence rubbing on shoe gear
  • Formation of calluses, corns, or ulcerations
  • Pain from plantarflexed metatarsal heads
  • Redness to skin
  • Difficult wearing shoes
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Crossover Toe

Crossover Toe

Cross over toe is a condition that occurs when there is a tear in the supporting ligament of your toe. When this ligament is damaged the stability of your toe can be compromised leading to persistent ball of foot pain and discomfort. There is a much higher incidence of plantar plate tears for females in comparison to males at a 10:1 ratio. Disruption of the plantar plate can cause your toe to shift in different directions leading to overlapping or a floating toe appearance.

Causes

  • Trauma
  • Overuse injury
  • Neurological disorders
  • Abnormal foot mechanics
  • Weakening of supportive ligament of toe

Signs & Symptoms

  • Overlapping toe
  • Pain at lesser joints and ball of foot
  • Swelling at base of toe
  • Progressive toe deformity
  • Difficulty wearing shoes
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Neuroma

Neuroma

This is a condition that causes pain at the ball of your foot secondary to a thickening of tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. Neuromas can occur between any of your toes. However, the most common area is between your third and fourth toes, this is called a Morton’s neuroma.

Causes

  • Abnormal foot mechanics
  • Close proximity of metatarsal heads
  • High arch foot
  • Improper shoe gear
  • Repeated stress causing thickening of the nerve

Signs & Symptoms

  • Burning pain between toes
  • Foot or toe cramping
  • Toes may separate when standing
  • Swelling between the toe
  • Feeling of standing on a pebble or folded sock
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Flatfoot

Flat Feet (Pes Planus)

Flat feet are a common condition of the foot structure. In infants and toddlers, prior to walking, the medial longitudinal arch is not developed, and flat feet are normal. Most feet are flexible and an arch appears when children begin standing on their toes. The arch continues to develop throughout childhood, and by adulthood most people have developed normal arches.

Foot alignment sets the foundation for the rest of your body’s alignment. One of the most common causes of improper foot alignment is flat feet, or fallen arches. This condition is characterized by the lack of appropriate medial arch height. With flat feet you are unable to properly support your body weight causing increased pressure and stress to other joints in the body such as the ankle, knees, hips and back. Many people with flat feet do not experience pain or other problems. When pain in the foot, ankle, or lower leg does occur, especially in children, the feet should be evaluated.

Causes

  • Genetic disorders
  • Abnormal foot mechanics
  • Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
  • Short Achilles tendon
  • Arthritis

Signs & Symptoms

  • Decreased arch height
  • Achy pain through arch and midfoot
  • Feet may feel stiff or become numb
  • Pain in ankles and lower legs
  • Cramping of calf muscles
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Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)

PTTD is the inflammation or overstretching of posterior tibial tendon in the foot. This tendon is located on the medial aspect of your foot and ankle. The key function of the posterior tibial tendon is to provide stability and support to the medial longitudinal arch in your foot. When the tendon becomes overstretched or torn it results in collapse of your medial arch leading to and acquired flatfoot. Adult acquired flat foot can occur in one foot, but can less commonly be seen in both. PTTD is generally a progressive condition and when left untreated the symptoms will continue to get worse.

Causes

  • Overuse injury
  • Steroid injections
  • Diabetes
  • Previous trauma
  • Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and other inflammatory conditions

Signs & Symptoms

  • Pain and swelling to medial ankle
  • Flattening of the arch of foot
  • Inward rolling of the ankle
  • Pain exacerbated with activity
  • Inability to lift heel and balance on your toes
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Tailor’s Bunion

Tailor’s Bunion (Bunionette)

A tailor’s bunion, also called a bunionette is a bony prominence of the fifth toe joint. This type of deformity happens when the fifth metatarsal bone enlarges or shifts outward. Similar to a bunion of the big toe, the fifth metatarsal splays outward as the little toe curves inwards creating what appears to be a bump on the outside of the foot. Inherited foot mechanics are largely responsible for the development of this condition, with females being more frequently symptomatic.

Causes

  • Abnormal foot mechanics
  • Genetics
  • Improper shoe gear
  • Arthritis
  • Fifth toe trauma

Signs & Symptoms

  • Dull or achy pain to fifth metatarsal joint
  • Swelling
  • Callus formation
  • Pain when wearing tight shoe gear
  • Redness from constant irritation and rubbing
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