Where Does it Hurt? The Ball

Common conditions affecting the ball include:

Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is a general term used to describe a painful foot condition in the metatarsal region, the area just before the toes, more commonly referred to as the ball of the foot. This is a common foot disorder that can affect the bone and joints at the ball of the foot. Metatarsalgia is often located under the second, third and fourth metatarsal heads or more isolated at the first metatarsal head near the big toe.

Sesmoiditis

This condition is an inflammation of the sesmoid bones underneath the great toe joint

Neuroma

A neuroma is a condition that arises from irritation of a nerve resulting in inflammation or “aggravation” of the nerve sheath. Scar tissue will form around the nerve and this is a benign condition. Irritation to the nerve can result from improper shoes, injury, or a mechanical abnormality of the foot and depends on the specifics of your condition. Click here for more information.

Calluses

A callus is an area of hard, thickened skin that can occur across the ball of the foot on the base or on the outer side of the big toe. While many consider them a skin problem, they actually are a systemic problem with the bone. Calluses form from repeated friction and pressure as the shoe or ground rubs against the bony prominence of the toe or foot. The skin thickens and responds to this pressure.

Avascular Necrosis

Also known as “Freiberg’s infraction,” Avascular necrosis is due to chronic micro-trauma and overload of the metatarsal head leading to fracture and collapse of the metatarsal head and decreased or lost circulation to the collapsed area. Over time, arthritis and pain can develop.