Pain in the ball of the foot can interfere with physical activity, especially a sport such as running that involves high impact on the feet. Injuries, chronic medical conditions and even the shape of the foot can cause pain in the balls of the feet when running. But this type of pain is often preventable with changes in exercise routines and manageable with self-care or medical treatment.
Features
Pain in the balls of the feet usually develops gradually and often feels like a dull, persistent ache, although in some people, the pain develops suddenly during a run and feels like a throbbing or stabbing pain. While running, the pain might intensify with each hit of the foot on the pavement. The pain might worsen with continued physical activity and could even persist when at rest. In some cases, the pain in the balls of the feet might spread into the arches.
Causes
Nerve damage in the foot, resulting from neuromas, or a pinched nerve, is a common cause of foot pain in runners, according to Merck Manuals. Chronic conditions such as arthritis, poor circulation or necrosis of the bone can also cause pain in the ball of the foot with each run, and pain from these conditions often worsens over time. A misalignment of the joints or bones of the foot can also cause the balls of the feet to ache when running. Falling while running could fracture one of the metatarsals or sesamoid bones of the foot, also leading to pain while running. Runners with high arches or who overpronate might also experience pain in the ball of the foot during a run due to increased pressure and weight on the ball of the foot during motion.
Treatments
Physicians and specialists such as podiatrists begin with conservative treatments for dealing with pain in the ball of the foot. This often begins with a change in footwear to better support and cushion the foot while running. Other conservative treatments include taping the foot to provide additional support and use of shoe inserts or customized orthotics. If the foot pain does not respond to conservative treatment, doctors might inject corticosteroids into the ball of the foot to decrease inflammation and relieve pain. Runners with fractures in the foot might need to wear a cast until the fractures have healed. Some foot conditions, including neuromas or dead bones, might require surgery to correct the condition.
Prevention
Wear properly fitting shoes when running. Performing foot stretches before a run can also help prevent pain. Try sitting with your legs stretched in front of you, holding your toes and pulling them toward the body to help stretch the ligaments of the foot. Maintaining a healthy body weight and alternating high-impact exercises, such as running, with lower-impact workouts like swimming can also help prevent pain in the ball of the foot.
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