Library
- What is a Podiatrist?
- When To Call a Doctor
- Foot Anatomy
- Overview of Foot and Ankle Problems
- Basic Foot Care Guidelines
- Foot Problems
- General Statistics
- Achilles Problems
- Ankle Problems
- Arch and Ball Problems
- Common Foot Injuries
- Deformities
- Amniotic Band Syndrome
- Bunions
- Claw Toe
- Clubfoot
- Dysplasia (Epiphysealis Hemimelica)
- Enchondroma
- Flat Feet
- Gordon Syndrome
- Haglund's Deformity
- Hallux Limitus (Stiff Big Toe Joint)
- Hallux Rigidus (Stiff Big Toe)
- Hallux Varus
- Hammertoes
- Jackson-Weiss Syndrome
- Mallet Toes
- Metatarsalgia
- Osteomyelitis (Bone Infections)
- Overlapping or Underlapping Toes
- Peroneal Tendon Dislocation/Dysfunction
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
- Sesamoiditis
- Spurs
- Tarsal Coalition
- Diabetes and Your Feet
- Diseases of the Foot
- Fungus Problems
- Heel Problems
- Nail Problems
- Skin Problems
- Toe Problems
- Vascular/Nerve Problems
- Medical Care
- Fitness and Your Feet
- Foot Care
- Basic Foot Care Guidelines
- Athletic Foot Care
- Blisters
- Children's Feet
- Corns and Calluses
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Foot Care For Seniors
- Foot Self-Exam
- Pedicures
- Self-Assessment Quiz
- Women's Feet
- Your Feet at Work
- Bunion Prevention
- Burning Feet
- Fungus Problems
- Ingrown Nails
- Osteoporosis
- Foot Odor and Smelly Feet
- Shoes
- Links
Pain in the area between the arch and toes, or ball of the foot, is generally called metatarsalgia. The pain usually centers on one or more of the five bones (metatarsals) in this mid-portion of the foot. Also known as dropped metatarsal heads, metatarsalgia can cause abnormal weight distribution due to overpronation.
Metatarsalgia occurs when one of the metatarsal joints becomes painful or inflamed. People often develop a callus under the affected joint. Metatarsalgia also can be caused by arthritis, foot injury (from sports, a car accident, or repeated stress), hard surfaces (cement or tile floors), and specific footwear (rigid-soled work boots).
A simple change of shoes may solve the problem. In more severe cases, custom orthotics may be prescribed to alleviate the pain and prevent overpronation.