Metatarsalgia Pain at the Ball of your Foot

[@Vio-ot4ft]

Doc Jen, I have been doing the exercises in your video about "5 exercises for Morton's neuroma" for a few weeks now, and they have helped me tremendously! I don't even know if this is the condition I have, but I figured some stretches etc couldn't hurt, and wow. I now think my foot problems (metatarsal pain in the right foot, and achilles pain in the left) are due to tightness in the posterior chain. I thought I would have to invest in expensive custom orthotics (which I have had in the past), but I feel so empowered to know that I can help myself. Thank you!

[@docjenfit]

Wow, thank you so much for sharing this! I'm so happy to hear this has helped. 💗💗

[@sortaforida718]

​@@docjenfitDoctor i have really bad circulation. On my right foot i consider that i have 3 foot pads. The heel and the two areas where you drew. Only at night the top right pad of my foot starts hurting. Its not so much standing but when i lift my foot and take pressure off it thats when the unbearable pain starts for about 20 seconds. Its been 4 nights in a row that it hurts. I dont remember injuring it. Is this what im experiencing? Thankj

[@spearlightknight1714]

Wow, thank you for a balanced approach to this foot issue! And also explanations to the possible causes! Most advice focuses on constantly wearing an insole forever without proper explanation on potential causes of the issue.

[@docjenfit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Hugo97HD]

This was great, I’m happy that I came across this video. I was hesitant to watch this one as it seems that so many podiatrists approach is to prescribe orthotics that in my experience just make things worse. Thanks again for explaining this so well!!

[@docjenfit]

Thank you! I’m glad you liked it!

[@joshuagood9162]

Awesome work, you two! I just got done going to PT for my plantar fasciitis for the last 5 months (my posterior chain is very tight, too). 2 months ago I was using a belt to stretch out my big toe and felt something pop when I was pulling too hard. I’ve had metatarsalgia ever since, and now that pain is lingering although the plantar fasciitis is much better. I’ve found that the most helpful things are going barefoot and shifting my weight to my heels more than to my toes when walking.

[@docjenfit]

Thank you for watching, Joshua! Glad to see you're doing the work!

[@michele9359]

I had bunion surgery when I was 15 years old on both feet. I am now 46 years old. I have had metartosal pain off and on for over a decade. My 2nd and 3rd metartosal bones are longer than my first. I've seen a couple podiatrist's and have had custom inserts, otc inserts, physical therapy, cortisone injection, and reduced exercise days. I have never worn heels. In years past I've been able to settle it down. However, I'm on 4 months of extreme pain.

[@docjenfit]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We hope some of this info helped.

[@Purplelyd]

I gone to a podiatrist for the pain in the ball of my foot. Took X-ray told I have arthritis on big toe. But I have no pain there, only under the two toes next to it. Sometimes I can be laying down and pain will be on ball of foot then feels like shooting pain up those two toes. My dr had me get better shoes and wear metatarsal pad. It’s been a month and still having the pain.

[@docjenfit]

Thanks for sharing! Hopefully you found some good pointers in this video. Trying some of the foot exercises for toe spacing and working on arch mobility could be beneficial.

[@devidiaz5801]

Great info my podiatrist didn’t explain he suggest surgery.thanks a lot Doc.

[@docjenfit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sandralazarus7338]

That was very nice. I have this problem.

[@docjenfit]

I'm so glad you found this helpful. Feel free to also try out my foot physical therapy plan. You can try it and get one week free here: jen.health/freetrial

[@annecelliers9112]

So is this reversible over time? With treatment, stretching etc.

[@docjenfit]

Absolutely!

[@janaeaedwards7237]

I feel like I'm walking with marbles by the end of day, It even keeps me up at night

[@docjenfit]

Oh no! Sorry to hear. I hope this video helps. I also have a foot PT plan on my platform jen.health . You're welcome to try it out and you also get the first week free!

[@paulwright1150]

Me too

[@NiqueAnn68]

Anything regarding Morton neuromas?

[@docjenfit]

We have this video with some exercises for Morton's Neuroma: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6nIhKx3drJprqc We also have this one where we talk more about the condition in general: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKbdepeYq5aBh6s

[@NiqueAnn68]

@@docjenfit thank you. I’ll check them out. 👍🏽

[@annecelliers9112]

Yes, I have painn in the ball of my foot. 😢 I think I have this. Can I still run?

[@annecelliers9112]

I guess not... 🙈

[@docjenfit]

Well it could be beneficial to slow down or stop running for a little bit to bring some pressure off of this area. However, you should definitely be able to work back to running with the right rehab plan.

[@samuraioodon]

does big toe numbness have any relation with metatarsalgia? i'm an long distance cyclist and have started to notice big toe numbness.

[@docjenfit]

Do you just get this during your long bike rides? It could just have to do with the positioning of your feet and not enough movement or blood flow getting to those toes! Especially if it is colder out. Doesn't necessarily mean it is related to metatarsalgia though.

[@samuraioodon]

@@docjenfit thanks for the reply. i'm getting it in my running shoes too which have plenty of wiggle room. i do work out in garden a lot and it noticed when squatting that my weight is more on my big toes. could it be i need more cushion there or a higher arch? i'm using a high arch right now.

[@Hugo97HD]

@@samuraioodonto me it sounds like you need to work on your big toe extension mobility. And probably in general on your ankle and feet strength.

[@PatrickOrr-id9pf]

Is it still metatarsalgia if when I run, I have no ball of foot pain for the first 3 miles of a 4 mile run, but then during the last mile, I get a burning/painful feeling in the ball of my foot? What are your thoughts? Thanks!

[@docjenfit]

Though it can be, you can always check in with your doctor to be sure. Either way, the tips and exercises mentioned here should help you!

[@memoranda1]

i get the same sensation when I tried go back to dancing......burning and pain on the 4 beside the big toe..... so i stopped completely sometimes it feels good sometimes bad but i don't run and i stopped dancing...i can walk no problem....bike ride as well no issues.... but intense workout like dancing and running is a no no for now....don't know what to do..... i am trying to figure out what it really is the problem cause my toes are not broken or fractured just feel sore....pain it's mostly on the toes than on the ball of the foot.....

[@laurenslife5811]

I’ve suffered from this condition for years heels last me about 10 mins.

[@docjenfit]

Heels can definitely be uncomfy. Hopefully some of these tips help!

[@XoXoKarinaKGXoXo]

I have a deep permanent callous on the ball of my foot and it burns. I can’t wear any type of heels. When I try it burns. The pads make it worse. I shave that callus but it comes back right away plus it’s internal. I shaved once to try to take it off but I started bleeding because the callus goes deep inside. It’s not superficial. Any advice?

[@docjenfit]

Hard to give very specific advice, but we have this video on corns/deep callouses on the feet. Maybe that will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpq8oHSjpd-EqqM

[@WidmerFamily-zi1wc]

I am struggling with pain (shooting needles) in the ball of my foot. My dr thinks maybe it’s Morton’s Neuroma but my left side is so tight from my calf to my shoulder. I’m wondering if this is more of the issue. No injuries but I am 51.

[@docjenfit]

It definitely could be related to Morton's Neuroma. We have another great KZbin Video on this you can check out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6nIhKx3drJprqc Otherwise we have an entire Barefoot Mini Course that helps to assess and address all the potential restrictions you might have around your foot and ankle that contribute to this. You can get a special discount on this using code OPTIMAL10 at checkout: jen.health/barefoot

[@zmatthes2235]

What if you have arthritis and had op on bunion. I'm not sure about going to barefoot because I also have a pin in my big toe. Help. 😊

[@docjenfit]

Barefoot can still be good for you!

[@teshaunmiller5701]

Bro, I’m dealing with right now. I’m at athlete. I do jiu-jitsu and work out a lot. It has been bugging me. It’s not as bad as it first started. I’m only 20 years old and makes me feel limited in my movement.😢

[@docjenfit]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us! We hope some of this info and exercises help you!

[@mariacrd19]

Is there certain tennis shoe that could help us

[@docjenfit]

We like Vivo Barefoot shoes & have a discount code if you'd like to try: bit.ly/3cDHcAx Use code "TOB20"

[@sortaforida718]

Doctor i have really bad circulation. On my right foot i consider that i have 3 foot pads. The heel and the two areas where you drew. Only at night the top right pad of my foot starts hurting. Its not so much standing but when i lift my foot and take pressure off it thats when the unbearable pain starts for about 20 seconds. Its been 4 nights in a row that it hurts. I dont remember injuring it. Is this what im experiencing? Thankj

[@docjenfit]

Unfortunately it's hard for me to diagnose what is happening and I really can't do so through comments. I would recommend trying to get someone in person who is able to assess you in person. Or you could check out our Barefoot Mini Course that helps you do a full self assessment on your own and gives exercises to work on the restrictions that you find. Check that out here and use code OPTIMAL10 to get a bonus discount: jen.health/barefoot

[@varshamendiratta8132]

Hi I am from India and I have pain in my soles especially front portion . Please guide me

[@docjenfit]

Thank you for sharing! Hopefully some of the info in this video helps!

[@KM-if2wp]

I have ball of foot pain and looks like a small golf ball in area. (Inflamed) It hurts a lot if walking on and sometimes hurt when just hanging on couch. Podiatrist is unsure of what is happening. The steroid meth pack didn’t help. Frustrating over 3 weeks weeks not walking on and still have issues. Any ideas???

[@docjenfit]

Hmm that sounds really odd. I honestly have no idea without being able to examine further or in person.

[@deniseharris1737]

I’m having that problem now the ball of my foot and callus

[@docjenfit]

Here's another video for callus you might benefit from kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpq8oHSjpd-EqqM

[@katherineklepp9403]

I was diagnosed with synovatis, inflammation of the tissues around the joints on my second toe on both feet, this happened 7 years ago , I had 2 shots of steroids on each foot and I ‘ve been using orthotics since then. I still feel some pain at the joints of my toes, I don’t know why. What else I can do to get rid of this pain?

[@docjenfit]

Have you tried working on foot, toe, and ankle mobility/strengthening? This could help you understand where some of your restrictions might be and what is contributing to this. We have a great Barefoot Mini Course that could help you explore this. You can get an extra $10 off using code OPTIMAL10, if you want to check it out: jen.health/barefoot

[@katherineklepp9403]

@@docjenfit Thank you for your response

[@Larry30102]

Big thank you for the info.

[@docjenfit]

Of course! Glad it helped!

[@norbertomachado5465]

i have a Ankle Implant could that cause Metatarsalgia on my foot? because i have a lot of pain .

[@docjenfit]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Hopefully this video helped!

[@amiebird1]

How can i keep dancing ( its my job) with the issue?

[@docjenfit]

A lot depends on how severe your symptoms are and how much dancing might aggravate your symptoms.

[@Toodippedtonotdrip]

Is it normal to have a perfect circle of dead skin in the center of your foot where the paonfull ball is?

[@docjenfit]

Unfortunately, there's no way for us to determine over youtube comments, but I would recommend a checkin with your primary doctor if concerned.

[@Renrelo21]

I got it after wearing a boot for a foot fracture

[@docjenfit]

That can definitely happen!

[@rhondafleming9004]

I have it real bad. The ball of my feet. Please help. I’m 65 and I have 6 grands and I push to continue my daily life.

[@docjenfit]

Thank you for sharing! Hopefully some of these exercises help!

[@HughCStevenson1]

I have had this condition for about 8 years. Soft shoes like Oofos have helped me a lot. If you can find a trainer (I have Brooks Glycerine 21) that provides a soft base for your foot but a firm sole, that may help too. I am a runner so I aggravate it periodically! Good luck! I have not found exercises useful. Dome pads help some people. I am trying it for a second time currently... Not for exercise, just schlepping around.

[@Wildbodyschool]

Great video! I would love to know how you would work the kinetic chain to support this. I have developed Plantar Febromatosis, Metatarsal Pain, Achilles heel since wearing barefoot shoes. I didn't ease into them (but am going on 2 years with them). The heel pain has been the worst only recently going to Plantar pain and metatarsal pain. I almost feel incapacitated! I have the metatarsal pads, I don't wear anything but barefoot shoes, I use the toe spreaders as well. Some history: I had a labral tear repair in the L Hip 5 years ago, pelvic floor and SI have never been right since. Any suggestions?

[@docjenfit]

It could be important to start doing some more foot stability and strengthening exercises. We have a great barefoot mini course on our Jen Health Platform that could help give you some ideas on how to start addressing this. jen.health/barefoot Also, it can always be a good idea to ease into barefoot shoes rather than just completely transitioning right away.

[@nadinelai4575]

Wow! You have a lot going on. Have thought about seeing an osteopath? They can be good at looking at your body in a holistic manner. Your SI, lower back, could have something to do with your feet.

[@HughCStevenson1]

I have had this condition for about 7-8 years, on and off. Barefoot shoes are a terrible idea. Do not do this! If possible find some soft shoes with firm soles which can provide the cushioning that the fatty layer that has broken down usually provides. I have Oofos flip-flops for at home and Brooks Glycerine 21 training shoes. I am a competitive sprinter so that gives the area a big hammering when I compete or train... Soaking my feet in warm water helps with acute pain after a big competition day. The Dome pads are useful but not for exercise. Ok for walking around, going to work. Dress shoes?? I have no solution. Just be a hippy and wear something casual with your tuxedo! Good luck. I hav sore feet most of the time. I am 63 and don't expect it to get much better, based on the advice of podiatrists and foot surgeon. But I manage most of the time.

[@johnwylie8724]

You mentioned that with age the fatty pads on the foot bottom can decrease and result in metatarsalgia. Is that a situation where an insert may need to be used permanently or are there mobility exercises that can be done to offset the loss of the fatty pads?

[@docjenfit]

That could be something that helps. However, we can continue to help our body prioritize the fatty pads by exposing our feet to tolerable impact. So doing daily bouncing on our feet or hopping just to show the feet we still need those fat pads around can be helpful.

[@HughCStevenson1]

I have had this condition for about 7-8 years, on and off. Barefoot shoes are a terrible idea. Do not do this! If possible find some soft shoes with firm soles which can provide the cushioning that the fatty layer that has broken down usually provides. I have Oofos flip-flops for at home and Brooks Glycerine 21 training shoes. I am a competitive sprinter so that gives the area a big hammering when I compete or train... Soaking my feet in warm water helps with acute pain after a big competition day. The Dome pads are useful but not for exercise. Ok for walking around, going to work. Dress shoes?? I have no solution. Just be a hippy and wear something casual with your tuxedo! Good luck. I hav sore feet most of the time. I am 63 and don't expect it to get much better, based on the advice of podiatrists and foot surgeon. But I manage most of the time.

[@Hugo97HD]

@@HughCStevenson1barefoot shoes need time to transition. You can’t be expecting to just start walking/running on them if you have been running on cushiony and pointy shoes all of your life.

[@mariacrd19]

What if you have herniated disk bouncing would that not be an option so what else can we do to help

[@Purehoney8]

So no heels 😢

[@docjenfit]

At least not every day! :)

[@TheBlacksheep2020]

the pads of my feet hurt so bad, i am getting where i cannot even walk. it is making me depressed.

[@docjenfit]

I'm sorry to hear about your pain, you're definitely not alone. I hope you're able to try these tips out and let us know how they help!

[@robertmarsh2656]

Thanks

[@docjenfit]

Of course!

[@HughCStevenson1]

I have had this condition for about 7-8 years, on and off. Barefoot shoes are a terrible idea. Do not do this! If possible find some soft shoes with firm soles which can provide the cushioning that the fatty layer that has broken down usually provides. I have Oofos flip-flops for at home and Brooks Glycerine 21 training shoes. I am a competitive sprinter so that gives the area a big hammering when I compete or train... Soaking my feet in warm water helps with acute pain after a big competition day. The Dome pads are useful but not for exercise. Ok for walking around, going to work. Dress shoes?? I have no solution. Just be a hippy and wear something casual with your tuxedo! Good luck. I hav sore feet most of the time. I am 63 and don't expect it to get much better, based on the advice of podiatrists and foot surgeon. But I manage most of the time.

[@docjenfit]

Barefoot shoes can definitely be very intense to go right into if you are in an inflamed or irritated state. Definitely some good recommendations for people who need that support with where they are currently at!

[@CF_Joel]

Can I fix my particular issue with physical therapy? My metatarsalgia is caused by my toes not being level. Without my custom orthotics, which have gaps and spacers under the ball of my toes to level them, I have to push my foot down really hard to make all my toes touch the ground and it hurts to train or even walk without them. After a few minutes, the connective tissues between my toes become enflamed really fast. I would like to know if I can level them with physical therapy and be free of orthotics. Thanks!

[@docjenfit]

It could be very helpful for you to do some work on the foot! We have great foot exercises and assessments in our Barefoot Mini Course that you can check out here. jen.health/barefoot

[@viktor_vaughn]

We finally found where the Phalange is, and it's not part of an airplane.

[@docjenfit]

Haha thanks for the comment!

[@orazioscardace911]

Ciao può guarire il nervo Di Norton Facendo esercizi 😊

[@docjenfit]

Thanks for watching!

[@rockyboy976]

Stop walking and start swimming.....hmm....

[@docjenfit]

Just a suggestion. Getting in the pool can be very beneficial to help off load the pressure while still allowing yourself to workout, especially in the acute phases of healing or rehab! Walking won't be bothersome to many people.

[@vlonenazmck5864]

Logan Paul?

[@docjenfit]

haha

[@sirslickrock]

No because Logan Paul has a very punchable face, this guy is the opposite of that.