Pain in balls of feet is also known as metatarsalgia. In layman’s term, it is the pain at the ball of the foot and though the term coined may not point out anything when you first hear or read it, it is truthfully refers to the pain which is experienced at the balls of feet. This particular foot area is also medically known as the metatarsal foot region. Metatarsalgia can greatly affect not just the balls of feet but also the bones and the joints within that region. In connection, metatarsals are the long bone structures that are located in the feet’s front portion and found right beneath the toes.
The pain in balls of feet is frequently found initially on the metatarsal region near the big toe and this is referred to as the metatarsal head. Another area which can experience the metatarsal pain is the second metatarsal. Pain takes place due to an abnormal length in the metatarsal bone causing transmission of the extreme pressure in the second metatarsal area. It is exceptionally easy to observe when one is already suffering from this condition. Pain that is experienced at the ball area is the most usual symptom. The pain can be sharp along with a burning sensation.
Individuals who are often at risk at pain in balls of feet or metatarsalgia are runners and athletes who participate in sports that take in great impacts for the feet to endure. Too much stress brought about by activities like running and jumping can cause more pressure for the metatarsals. When you feel foot pain and softness under your second metatarsal head, chances are you might be having a metatarsal stress fracture or worse, a torn metatarsal tendon. Irregularity in foot shape may also cause metatarsalgia, hence making hereditary a risk factor too.
Stress fractures of the metatarsal are usually because of overuse so it is important to provide you feet with enough rest after an exhausting training. Pain in balls of feet can be relieved through placing ice packs on it around 15 to 20 minutes daily or shock-absorbing insoles which are placed on shoes and sandals when walking to feel lesser pressure.