Pain in the ball of your foot (metatarsalgia) Mamae ki te pona pōro o tō waewae

Anything that puts increased pressure or weight on the front of your feet can cause metatarsalgia. Causes include:

• overuse, for example a lot of running or sports
• high-heeled shoes, which push more weight onto the front of your feet
• having a stiff ankle or Achilles tendon
• Morton's neuroma
• a stress fracture
• claw foot or hammertoe
• a bunion
• gout
• arthritis
• diabetes.

The pain often comes on gradually over several weeks, rather than suddenly. The pain is worse when you are standing, walking or running.

You can get pain:

• in one foot or both feet
• under just one spot or across the width of your foot.

Your healthcare provider will examine your feet and ask questions about your symptoms.

Sometimes they might recommend you have:

• an x-ray
• a blood test
• an ultrasound
• a bone scan.

A podiatrist can help you by looking at what is causing your pain. They can help with:

• making sure you are walking correctly
• looking at whether you need special insoles called orthotics
• checking if you need different shoes
• stretches
• changing the way you do things to minimise pain.

They can also arrange for you to have further tests or assessment if necessary.

Find a podiatrist — Podiatry NZexternal link

Your usual healthcare provider can also help by:

• looking at what is causing your pain
• arranging any further tests or assessment you need
• giving advice on simple things you can do to reduce the pain
• helping you to manage any medical condition that may be contributing to your pain.

There are several things you can do to reduce the pain:

• cut back on any activities that make the pain worse, such as running and walking
• change to lower-heeled shoes that are supportive with a wide toe
• avoid any shoes that make it worse
• buy some foam or gel metatarsal pads to provide extra cushioning (available at pharmacies)
• lose weight if you are an unhealthy weight
• stretch out your Achilles tendon, calf or ankle if they are stiff
• manage any medical condition that might be contributing to the pain, such as diabetes, gout or arthritis
• use simple pain relief.

Calf stretch exercises

Pain relief medicines for adults