In Metatarsalgia the ball of your foot becomes painful and inflamed. You may experience metatarsalgia if you participate in activities that involve running and jumping. Or, you may develop metatarsalgia by wearing ill-fitting shoes. There are other causes as well.

Although generally not serious, metatarsalgia can sideline you. Fortunately, at-home treatments such as ice and rest can often relieve metatarsalgia symptoms. Proper footwear with shock-absorbing insoles or arch supports may be all you need to prevent or minimize future problems with metatarsalgia.

Symptoms of metatarsalgia may include sharp, aching or burning pain in the ball of your foot and the part of your sole just behind your toes. It may also include sharp or shooting pain, numbness or tingling in your toes. You may also have a feeling similar to having a pebble in your shoe.

Sometimes symptoms develop suddenly, especially if you’ve recently increased the time or intensity of your high-impact exercise such as running, but problems usually develop over time.