Metatarsalgia: When the Ball of Your Foot Feels Like It’s on Fire
Get Expert Podiatric Relief with Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle Right Here in Florida
If you’ve ever felt like there’s a pebble in your shoe or a burning ache in the ball of your foot that just won’t quit, you might be dealing with metatarsalgia. And while the name might sound intimidating, the condition is more common than you might think—and more treatable than you’d hope.
Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle specialize in helping people get back on their feet—literally—by tackling painful conditions like metatarsalgia with care, precision, and custom-tailored solutions.
What Exactly Is Metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia refers to inflammation and pain in the ball of your foot—the area just behind your toes where your five metatarsal bones meet your phalanges (toe bones). These bones do a lot of heavy lifting. Every step you take, every stride you run, and every second you stand puts pressure on this area. Over time, and with the right (or wrong) conditions, that pressure can build into persistent pain.
Five Common culprits include:
Standing for long periods
High-impact sports or exercise
Foot deformities (like high arches or bunions)
Ill-fitting footwear, especially high heels or narrow toe boxes
Conditions like diabetes or arthritis
How Do I Know If My Foot Pain is Metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia symptoms often sneak up gradually. You might notice:
Sharp, aching, or burning pain in the ball of your foot
Tingling or numbness in the toes
Pain that worsens with activity or when barefoot
A sensation like you’re walking on a rock or marble
This kind of pain doesn’t just go away on its own—it can seriously impact your mobility and quality of life if left untreated.
Common Treatments for Metatarsalgia
The good news? Relief is well within reach. Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, DPM will conduct a full assessment to identify the exact cause of your foot pain and create a personalized treatment plan. Here’s what that may include:
Custom Orthotics: Designed to offload pressure from the metatarsal area and correct mechanical imbalances in your foot. Our orthotics are tailored specifically to your feet—not one-size-fits-all inserts from the store.
Footwear Recommendations: We’ll guide you toward supportive shoes with wide toe boxes and cushioning soles that help absorb impact and reduce pressure where it counts.
Physical Therapy: Gentle stretching—especially of the Achilles tendon—can realign foot mechanics and improve long-term strength and flexibility.
Rest & Ice: In the short term, taking pressure off the foot and applying ice packs can help reduce inflammation.
Let Us Help You Get Back on Your Feet and Pain-Free
Metatarsalgia may sound like a mouthful, but with the right care, it doesn’t have to control your steps.
If you're dealing with persistent foot pain, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, call us today at (727) 868-2128 or (352) 683-5799 at our Hudson/Bayonet location office. You can also request an appointment online. Our experienced podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, is ready to help you find relief, restore comfort, and walk with confidence again.
Start your journey toward foot pain relief. We’re here to help every step of the way!