Ball of Foot Pain
Pain in the ball of your foot can make even simple activities uncomfortable. Whether you're walking, exercising, or standing for long periods, persistent discomfort in the front of your foot may be a sign of an underlying issue that needs attention.
At Stride Footcare, we understand how frustrating this kind of pain can be. Our podiatrist performs thorough assessments to get to the root of your forefoot pain and tailor a treatment plan to help you move pain-free again.
What Causes Ball of Foot Pain?
Ball of foot pain can stem from many different factors. Common causes include:
Improper footwear (e.g., high heels, narrow or unsupportive shoes)
Increased activity or impact (running, jumping, long standing)
Foot structure issues (flat feet, high arches, bunions, claw toes)
Tight Calf Muscles
Or Medical conditions like:
Morton’s neuroma – thickened nerve tissue between the toes
Sesamoiditis – inflammation of the small bones under the big toe joint
Arthritis
Bursitis
Synovitis
Plantar Plate Injury/Tear
Bunions or Bunionettes
Diabetes-related complications
How We Assess Forefoot Pain
Our podiatrist will carry out a biomechanical assessment to evaluate your gait, posture, and foot structure. We also assess your footwear and may recommend imaging like x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan or MRI if needed to confirm a diagnosis.
From this assessment, we develop a personalised treatment plan, which may include:
Custom foot orthotics to redistribute pressure
Footwear advice or recommendations (we have partnerships with trusted local shoe stores)
Shockwave therapy for conditions like neuromas or chronic inflammation
Padding or taping for immediate relief
Trigger point needling if muscular involvement is present
When to Seek Help
If ball of foot pain is:
Persistent or worsening
Impacting your ability to walk or exercise
Causing numbness, tingling, or burning
Not improving with rest or better shoes