(Foot Logistics 2011)
Pain in the ball of the foot is usually a result of Morton’s neuroma or metatarsalagia. These conditions are often described as an increase in pressure, a burning sensation, numbness and/or tingling in the toes. Working on hard surfaces can exacerbate the problem as well as shoes with thin or hard soles.
Morton’s neuroma or metatarsalagia can be a result of a collapsed transverse arch. The foot has three arches; one along the inside of your foot, a little one on the outside of your foot just infront of the heel and one across the ball of the foot. When this arch collapses, the toes often claw a fraction placing more pressure on the ball of the foot and squish together interrupting the nerves running between. It can present as numbness or tingling in the toes, pain between the toes which can be palpated or callousing on the ball of the foot.
Orthotic treatment can include a foot orthosis with a metatarsal dome or bump directly behind the ball of the affected foot. The dome provides pressure relief from the bones in the forefoot and to some degree lifts and separates the joints that in turn relieves the irritated nerves causing the pain and tingling. Domes are often incorporated into an arch support innersole. Often the arch needs supporting at the same time.
Ball of Foot Pain 2011, Foot Logistics, viewed 25 August 2011, <http://www.footlogics.com.au/ball-of-foot-pain-relief.html>
