Why does it hurt when I put pressure on the ball of my foot?

6 answers | Last updated: Oct 06, 2016
Baltimore sandlots asked...

In past 6 to 8 months have had ache and soremess off and on in right foot. Around 3rd and 4th toe area, hurts little bit to press down on ball of foot and if you press side of foot. Suggestions or help?

Expert Answers


Foot pain is usually caused by increased pressure on the bones of the feet, which can happen from injury, improper footwear, or ligament damage. Here are several thoughts I had about what could be causing your foot soreness in that area:

1) Arthritis of the foot: especially in the proximal bones of the 3rd and 4th toe. This could cause pain "on and off". 2) Plantar wart: this is a wart that grows up into your foot instead of out, because of the foot being weight bearing. You will know if you have a plantar wart because it will be tender in one particular spot when you press on it. This needs a podiatrist for treatment. 3) Stress fracture or ligament damage from an injury to the foot/ bones: You do not mention in your question if you exercise, but many exercisers I know have had foot pain, especially if they are training hard or wearing old shoes. You may need to change your shoes or get inserts. 4) Does the pain occur around the time when you wear certain shoes? You may be wearing constricting shoes or high heels that are putting too much strain on your feet.

So, what can you do to help yourself? You can try tylenol or ibuprofen to see if that reduces the pain in your foot. You can try getting new shoes that have a wider toe area and a lower heel. You can also try to buy inserts to try and reduce the pressure off the ball of your foot. But, if you have done these things and they didn't help, I think the best idea would be to go and see a podiatrist for a full evaluation. They will be able to assess your foot and find out exactly what is causing your discomfort. They will also be able to recommend footwear modifications for your particular problem, and decide if inserts are needed in your shoes for support.

Community Answers

Dorisj answered...

I have had the pain in ball of foot also, and saw a podiatrist. He said it was "Morton's neuroma"; which is sensitive nerves in that part of foot. He gave me steroid shots (3 weeks apart) til I had 3 shots. That was all he could do, but it helped. I still have the pain now and then, but not so severe. I always wear shoes with lots of toe room and arch support. I also have arch problems and that may be why the nerve reacted. Hope this has helped you. It's really bad when it hurts to walk!!!!

Mraf answered...

I also have the same problem. I was told it was metatarsalgia which is caused by being overweight or by to much walking. The hospital made me some insoles for my shoes which does help.

Seniorhelper answered...

My FAMILY has this problem. It sounds like you have Morton Neuroma. It is caused by a nerve. The nerve ending is located one inch below the outside of your knee. Apply pressure and rub in a circular motion. This condition can be corrected with surgery.

A fellow caregiver answered...

Surgery is needed. Could be serious. See a doctor right away

A fellow caregiver answered...

From your description it sounds like metatarsalgia. Here's what you should do help treat the pain and prevent it from getting worse.


Hope this helps.