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What Causes Pain In Ball Of Foot?
Question: I have pain on my left foot, inside the left ball of my foot, feels like I have lost "padding" there and want to find something I can wear when working out. I am pretty sure it was caused by years of working in restaurants when I was younger, and not wearing the best footwear. Right foot is fine and I have no other problem areas on my left foot. Doesn't appear that I have a bunion either.
Brief Answer:
May send the picture of foot,if possible
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. Based on the symptoms there are few possibilities like hallux valgus (bending of great toe), arthritis (Gout).To help you better please tell me is this associated with redness? and may send the picture of the foot,if possible.The blood test recommended is getting serum uric acid done.
Looking forward to your reply.
Take care
May send the picture of foot,if possible
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. Based on the symptoms there are few possibilities like hallux valgus (bending of great toe), arthritis (Gout).To help you better please tell me is this associated with redness? and may send the picture of the foot,if possible.The blood test recommended is getting serum uric acid done.
Looking forward to your reply.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
No redness ever, just sore especially when I work out (I do cardio, weight lift and boxing). The left foot does not look any different from the right, just is very tender on the right inside of my big toe, lower, by the ball pad. Feels like I should have some kind of padding to support this area. Every time I buy new running shoes they break down in the same area, must be where I put extra pressure on.
Brief Answer:
Sesamoid bone injury may be the cause
Detailed Answer:
Hello
It's good to see you
After going through the whole discussion,I feel you have sesamoid bone injury. These bones are very small and found underneath the great toe.To rule out fracture X-ray is recommended.
The treatment for sesamoiditis usually is nonoperative. My suggestion is-
1.Stop the activity that causes the pain temporary.
2.Take aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve the pain.
3.Rest and ice the sole of your foot. Do not apply ice directly to the skin, but use an ice pack or wrap the ice in a towel.
4.Wear soft-soled, low-heeled shoes. Stiff-soled shoes like clogs may also be comfortable.
5.Use a felt cushioning pad to relieve stress.
6.Return to activity gradually, and continue to wear a cushioning pad of dense foam rubber under the sesamoids to support them. Avoid activities that put your weight on the balls of the feet.
7.Tape the big toe so that it remains bent slightly downward (plantar flexion).
For early relief and in resistant cases an injection of a steroid medication to reduce swelling may be given by orthopaedic specialist.
If symptoms persist, you may need to wear a removable short leg fracture brace for four to six weeks.
Hope this suffices.
Take care
Sesamoid bone injury may be the cause
Detailed Answer:
Hello
It's good to see you
After going through the whole discussion,I feel you have sesamoid bone injury. These bones are very small and found underneath the great toe.To rule out fracture X-ray is recommended.
The treatment for sesamoiditis usually is nonoperative. My suggestion is-
1.Stop the activity that causes the pain temporary.
2.Take aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve the pain.
3.Rest and ice the sole of your foot. Do not apply ice directly to the skin, but use an ice pack or wrap the ice in a towel.
4.Wear soft-soled, low-heeled shoes. Stiff-soled shoes like clogs may also be comfortable.
5.Use a felt cushioning pad to relieve stress.
6.Return to activity gradually, and continue to wear a cushioning pad of dense foam rubber under the sesamoids to support them. Avoid activities that put your weight on the balls of the feet.
7.Tape the big toe so that it remains bent slightly downward (plantar flexion).
For early relief and in resistant cases an injection of a steroid medication to reduce swelling may be given by orthopaedic specialist.
If symptoms persist, you may need to wear a removable short leg fracture brace for four to six weeks.
Hope this suffices.
Take care
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Mukesh Chugh
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :1997
Answered : 1619 Questions
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