How to Treat Ball of Foot Pain

The ball of the foot, or forefoot, is on the sole between the arch and the toes. Proper function of this part of the foot is important for walking, as the push-off phase of gait puts significant force on it. The forefoot contains the heads of the metatarsals, or long foot bones, which are cushioned by fat. Pain in the forefoot, called metatarsalgia, can develop from improper footwear, high arches, damage to the structures supporting the bones or thinning of the fat cushion. There are several ways you can treat pain in the ball of your foot.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Pillows
• Bagged ice
• Lotion
• Tennis ball
• Shoe arch-support inserts

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Instructions

• 1

  Take anti-inflammatory medication according to the product dosage instructions for acute foot pain. Remove your shoe, and elevate your foot on several pillows to reduce pressure through your foot. Place ice cubes in a plastic bag, and apply to the ball of your foot for 20 minutes. Elevate and ice your foot at least three times a day.

• 2

  Massage the ball of your foot with firm pressure for several minutes. Use lotion to decrease friction on your skin. Alternatively, place a tennis ball on the floor, sit in a chair, and place your forefoot on the ball. Press down firmly, and roll your foot over the tennis ball, moving back and forth from the arch to the forefoot along the width of your foot. Repeat for five minutes several times a day.

• 3

  Stretch your forefoot for 10 seconds, three to five times in a row, several times a day. Gently pull your big toe toward you until you feel a stretching sensation in the ball of your foot. Stretch different parts of the forefoot by pulling on different toes. Avoid walking barefoot, and wear shoes that provide support to your arch. Avoid high heels, or keep them less than one inch in height to minimize the additional force placed on your forefoot.