If you're experiencing persistent pain in the ball of your foot, you could benefit from seeing a podiatrist. Pain in this area of the foot is a common foot care complaint and is often accompanied by inflammation. Pain in the ball of your foot can occur for a number of reasons and tends to intensify the longer you put weight on the affected foot. Some people describe the pain as a dull sensation, while others feel a shooting pain across the underside of their foot. Read on to learn about some of the reasons this type of pain develops and how podiatric care can help.
Common Reasons For Pain In The Ball Of Your Foot
This type of pain can be associated with several underlying conditions, but common reasons for developing pain in the ball of your foot include joint stress, rheumatoid arthritis and flat feet.
Joint stress can occur when you engage in high-impact physical activity, don't wear supportive footwear during exercise or have a poor jumping or running technique. The joints at the front of your feet can become swollen, which leads to pain when you try to flex and move that part of your foot.
Rheumatoid arthritis has a similar effect on the ball of your foot, and the inflammation caused by this type of arthritis can limit the blood supply to the surrounding muscles.
Flat feet is a common foot problem that occurs when the foot arches collapse due to an increase in pressure on them, such as with the rapid weight gain experienced during pregnancy. Flat feet put additional pressure on the front of your feet, which leads to inflammation and pain.
Podiatric Care For Pain In The Ball Of Your Foot
Anti-inflammatories and painkillers are often used to treat foot pain, but they aren't always effective on their own. A podiatrist can support your recovery from pain in the ball of your foot in a number of ways. They will assess your feet and show you foot exercises that are designed to strengthen the muscles in your feet and promote increased blood flow to the front of your feet, which can encourage healing and a reduction in swelling. A podiatrist can also provide you with custom-fit orthotics that slip into your shoes. These insoles will be made to provide support to the ball of the foot by supporting the arches and shifting pressure away from the ball of the foot to other parts of your foot when you are standing and walking.
There are lots of effective, drug-free treatments available for foot pain, so don't feel that you simply need to put up with it. If the ball of your foot gets sore when you are standing or walking, consult your local podiatrist.