Podiatry
Metatarsalgia (Forefoot Pain)
Pain or inflammation in the ball of the foot from Morton's neuroma, bunions, capsulitis, plantar plate tears, stress fractures and more.
Metatarsalgia is an umbrella term for pain or inflammation in the ball of the foot. Many overlapping structures in this part of the foot can be the source of your pain, which is why thorough assessment and careful management are so important.
Common causes
Some of the more common causes we see in clinical practice include:
- Morton's NeuromaNerve irritation and thickening, usually caused by nerve entrapment and compression, commonly between the 2nd and 4th toes. Pain can be sharp, feeling like you're stepping on a pebble, with altered sensations such as burning, numbness, and tingling.
- BunionsGradual inward drift of the big toe towards the lesser toes, causing misalignment, discomfort, and difficulty wearing footwear.
- Capsulitis / SynovitisInflammation of the joint capsule or its lining, caused by repetitive high pressure to the area. Often feels like a lump or pebble under the ball of the foot.
- Lisfranc InjuryA tear or degeneration of the ligament complex connecting the midfoot bones to the metatarsal shafts, usually caused by sudden twisting or high impact. Often produces a painful 'pop' sensation in the midfoot.
- Plantar Plate TearA tear or degeneration of the ligament complex that holds the metatarsal heads in place, usually from a direct impact such as stubbing the foot. Can lead to forefoot deformities such as toe misalignment or crossing.
- Stress FractureHairline breaks in the metatarsal shaft, frequently from high, repetitive loading or impact.
- Freiberg's InfarctionA rare condition where the head of a metatarsal bone breaks down due to a temporary disruption to its blood supply.
- Tarsal Tunnel SyndromeCompression of the nerve running below your inner ankle, which can send radiating pain into your sole and toes.
- SesamoiditisInflammation of the tiny sesamoid bones that the tendon controlling your big toe runs through.
Assessment & treatment
Assessment starts with understanding when your pain began, what triggers it, and your footwear and activity history. Your clinician will examine the foot while you're standing and walking, palpate the individual joints and soft tissues to pinpoint the source of pain, and check the flexibility, strength, and alignment of the forefoot and toes.
Where a fracture, ligament tear, or joint instability is suspected, imaging such as X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and guide the right treatment pathway.
Treatment
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause, but many forefoot conditions respond well to a combination of the following:
Treatment may include:
- Footwear changes and padding to redistribute pressure away from the painful area
- Orthotics to offload and support the forefoot
- Activity modification while symptoms settle
- A progressive loading or strengthening program
- Shockwave therapy or dry needling
- Referral for imaging or to a specialist where a fracture, ligament tear, or more serious pathology is suspected
How Simba Health treats Metatarsalgia (Forefoot Pain)
Our podiatry clinicians assess the cause of your symptoms and build a personalised, evidence-based plan to treat Metatarsalgia (Forefoot Pain). With no GP referral required and initial appointments from $109, you can start care quickly at a clinic near you.
Podiatry near you
Frequently asked questions
No. You can book podiatry directly at Simba Health with no GP referral, so you can start treatment for Metatarsalgia (Forefoot Pain) without delay. Initial appointments start from $109. A referral may still help if you're claiming under a care plan.
Metatarsalgia (Forefoot Pain) is treated under our podiatry service, with initial consultations from $109 and lower follow-up fees. We keep our pricing transparent so you know what to expect before your appointment.
Our podiatry clinicians assess the underlying cause of your symptoms, then build a personalised, evidence-based treatment plan for Metatarsalgia (Forefoot Pain). Many people start to notice improvement once the right plan is underway.
Not sure this is right for you?
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(02) 9188 0544