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Metatarsalgia

Ball of foot pain is a fitting description.  Every woman who has worn high heels is familiar with metatarsalgia pain.  But, it is not exclusive to women or high heels.  That burning feeling under the ball of your foot, typically right behind the second toe is common.  
 

Common Causes   •   •   •   •   •   •   •   •   •   •   •   •   •

Metatarsalgia pain comes from excessive pressure and friction.  A callus often forms in that region right behind the second toe.  The cause is hyperpronation.  When you hyperpronate, the first metatarsal and big toe are not carrying their load, so most of your body weight at push-off is carried by the second metatarsal.   To make matters worse, the hyperpronating foot also twists inside the shoe aggravating the pain by adding friction.

Metatarsalgia is pain right at the ball of the foot usually behind the second toe.  You  may also have a callus there.

How to eliminate the pain

Instead of trying to cushion the second metatarsal,  off loading it by shifting the weight to the first metatarsal is much more effective.  When the first metatarsal becomes properly weight bearing, your gait will change.  Instead of walking with flared feet, and pushing off with the second metatarsal, (the cause of bunions) your feet will point forward  and the first metatarsal and big toe will carry its full, intended load.  Reducing hyperpronation will also lessen the twisting in the foot so friction will be minimized.  If you wear flats or heel of any height, they will feel more comfortable as if you had a healthier fat pad under you the balls of your feet.