Metatarsalgia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Metatarsalgia?
A podiatrist, a doctor who treats foot problems, or an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon, a bone and joint doctor who focuses on the foot and ankle, most often treats metatarsalgia. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is metatarsalgia?
Pain in the ball of your foot, the area between your arch and the toes, is called metatarsalgia. The pain usually centers on one or more of the five bones under the toes, called metatarsals.
You can usually ease the pain yourself. But you should see a doctor if it does not improve.
Symptoms
The main symptom is pain in the ball of the foot. Here are some signs that go with different causes:
- Sharp, burning, or shooting pain near the toes that feels like a lump or small stone under the foot can be a sign of Morton's neuroma.
- Redness, swelling, and a dull aching pain can be a sign of bursitis.
- Pain, swelling, and bruising that start after intense or repetitive exercise can be a sign of a sprain.
Causes and who gets it
Pain in the ball of the foot is often caused by exercise, such as running, by shoes that are too tight, or by a condition such as arthritis. Hard or cracked skin can also cause this type of pain.
How doctors diagnose it
Forefoot pain can have several diagnoses, such as metatarsalgia and Morton neuroma. Do not try to diagnose the cause of the pain yourself. A foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon can do some simple tests to check how stable the joints are.
Treatment
Most of the time, practical measures can help ease foot pain. You can try these steps at home:
- Rest and raise your foot when you can.
- Put an ice pack on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- Wear shoes with plenty of room for your feet, a low heel, and a soft sole.
- Try regular, gentle foot and ankle stretches.
- Use pain relievers such as ibuprofen gel, or ibuprofen tablets if needed.
A doctor may suggest a shoe insert as a kind of shock absorber, or a different kind of shoe. A pad is often added to the insert to shift weight off the painful metatarsal bones.
Store-bought shoe inserts are commonly recommended to spread out pressure on the front of the foot and relieve pain. Better shoe fit and comfort may be the most helpful way to prevent and manage forefoot problems.
Occasionally, surgery may be needed to remove a bony prominence or correct a deformity.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if any of these apply:
- The pain stops you from doing normal activities.
- The pain is getting worse or keeps coming back.
- The pain has not improved after 2 weeks of home treatment.
- You have tingling or loss of sensation in your foot.
- You have diabetes and foot pain. Foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes.
Get medical care right away if you have severe pain in the ball of the foot, or you cannot walk. Get care right away if your foot has changed shape or you heard a snap, grinding, or popping noise at the time of injury.
Also get care right away if your foot is hot, swollen, and painful, or you feel hot, cold, or shivery. These can be signs of a broken bone after an injury or an infection.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor is a good first visit if the pain has not improved after 2 weeks of home treatment.
Common questions
What causes pain in the ball of the foot?
Common causes include exercise such as running, shoes that are too tight, and conditions such as arthritis. Some people also have a foot shape that puts extra pressure on the ball of the foot.
Can tight shoes cause metatarsalgia?
Yes, shoes that do not fit well can cause it. Tight shoes squeeze the foot and increase pressure, while loose shoes let the foot slide and rub.
Does metatarsalgia need surgery?
Usually not. Most of the time, practical measures can help ease foot pain. Occasionally, surgery may be necessary to remove a bony prominence or correct a deformity.
When should I see a doctor for ball of foot pain?
See a doctor if the pain has not improved after 2 weeks of home treatment. See a doctor sooner if the pain is getting worse or you have tingling or loss of sensation in your foot.
Sources
- NHS - Pain in the ball of the foot
- AOFAS FootCareMD - Metatarsalgia (Forefoot Pain) Symptoms & Causes
- AAFP - Common Foot Problems: Over-the-Counter Treatments and Home Care
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
