Ask the Doctor
What causes pain under the ball of the foot?
The ball of the foot is formed by the weightbearing metatarsal bones. Calluses form under pressure points on the metatarsals and small bones under the great toe joint can become inflamed. Under the first toe joint, there are two small sesamoid bones attached to the tendons that flex the toe. Properly fitted arch supports align the foot and relieve pressure on the metatarsal bones.
If you have any foot or back problems we recommend that you see a foot doctor for an evaluation. Good Feet does not diagnose, prescribe, or fill prescriptions.