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Pain in the ball of your foot is known as metatarsalgia. You can usually ease the pain yourself. But see a GP if it does not improve.
If you see a GP about pain in the ball of your foot, they may suggest you try these things:
rest and raise your foot when you can
put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas in a towel) on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
wear shoes with plenty of room for your feet, which have a low heel and soft sole
use soft insoles or pads in your shoes
try to lose weight if you're overweight
try regular, gentle foot and ankle stretching exercises
use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel (or ibuprofen tablets if needed)
do not do any sports or other activity that you think is causing the pain
do not walk or stand for long periods
do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes
You can ask a pharmacist about:
These might be signs of a broken bone after an injury.
Pain in the ball of your foot is often caused by exercise, such as running, wearing shoes that are too tight or a condition such as arthritis.
Some people also have a foot shape that puts extra pressure on the ball of the foot. Hard or cracked skin or a verruca can also cause this type of pain.
Your symptoms might also give you an idea of what's causing your pain.
| Symptoms | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Pain, swelling, bruising, started after intense or repetitive exercise | Sprain |
| Sharp, burning or shooting pain near your toes (ball of your foot), feels like a lump or small stone under your foot | Morton's neuroma |
| Redness and swelling, dull aching pain | Bursitis or arthritis |
| Hard bony lump near the big toe | Bunions |
Do not worry if you're not sure what the problem is.
Follow the advice on this page and see a GP if the pain does not get better in 2 weeks.
You can also read about pain in other areas of your foot.
If you have pain in the ball of your foot, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.
To find out if there are any services in your area:
