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Causes of Pain in the Ball of the Foot

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Causes of Pain in the Ball of the Foot

There are many different causes of metatarsalgia such as incorrect footwear, overuse with activities that involve running or jumping, or foot deformities. Pain in the ball of the foot can also be related to health issues, including arthritis and diabetes. It’s also called metatarsalgia.. It’s important to note that accurate diagnosis and treatment should be provided by experienced podiatrist. Some common causes of pain in the ball of the foot:

  1. High-Impact Activities: Activities that involve repetitive high-impact movements, such as running or jumping, can lead to stress and strain on the metatarsal bones and surrounding tissues, causing pain in the ball of the foot.
  2. Ill-Fitting Footwear: Wearing shoes that don’t provide proper support or have inadequate cushioning can lead to increased pressure on the ball of the foot. High heels, shoes with narrow toe boxes, or shoes that lack arch support can contribute to metatarsalgia.
  3. Morton’s Neuroma: This is a condition where a nerve between the metatarsal bones becomes compressed or irritated, often causing sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot.
  4. Metatarsal Stress Fracture: Overuse or repetitive impact on the metatarsal bones can result in stress fractures, leading to localized pain in the ball of the foot.
  5. Bunions: Bunions are bony growths that can develop at the base of the big toe, causing misalignment of the metatarsal bones and contributing to ball of the foot pain.
  6. Plantar Plate Tear: The plantar plate is a thick ligamentous structure that helps stabilize the metatarsophalangeal joints. Tears or inflammation of this ligament can lead to pain in the ball of the foot.
  7. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis in the foot joints can cause pain and discomfort in the ball of the foot.
  8. Obesity: Excess body weight increases pressure on the feet and can contribute to metatarsalgia.
  9. Foot Deformities: Certain foot deformities, such as high arches or flat feet, can lead to an uneven distribution of weight on the metatarsal bones, causing pain in the ball of the foot.
  10. Tight Foot Muscles: Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons can alter the biomechanics of the foot and contribute to metatarsalgia.
  11. Infections and Inflammation: Infections or inflammation in the foot, such as in conditions like gout or cellulitis, can lead to pain in the ball of the foot.
  12. Nerve Compression: Conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome involve compression of the nerves in the foot, leading to pain in the ball of the foot.

If you’re experiencing pain in the ball of your foot, contact our podiatrists in Chicago at 773-205-0106.  They can accurately diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include rest, physical therapy, custom orthotics, changes in footwear, medications, or in some cases, surgical intervention.

heel pain laser

Laser for Chronic Foot Pain

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MLS Laser Treatments for Foot Pain

Chronic heel pain is one of the most common forms of foot pain in adults. Most of heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis.  Low level laser therapy (LLLT) offers a quick, painless, non-invasive, side-effect free alternative to relieve the debilitating pain of plantar fasciitis.

Low level laser therapy accelerates the body’s natural healing process by energizing the biochemical responses within our cells.

Low-level laser therapy has been found to be effective in numerous medical conditions and associated symptoms. Regardless of the condition for which it is used, LLLT has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps with edema and promotes faster healing.

It has been demonstrated that this therapeutic solution could relieve short-term pain in multiple acute and chronic conditions such as rheumatic disorders, neck pain, chronic joint disorders,  tendinopathy.

Five common foot ailments:

Arthritis

MLS can reduce swelling and increase your range of motion and mobility for rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis, the constant pain and stiffness in your feet can make it hard to walk.

Foot neuromas

MLS stops the pain of diabetic feet and foot neuromas, it can help heal the tissue that’s causing the pain.

Plantar fasciitis

MLS laser can help if you have a plantar fasciitis.

Tendonitis

MLS targets that inflammation and stops the discomfort so you can get moving again.

Sprains/strains

Some of the most common foot and ankle injuries are sprains and strains.  MLS helps to ease the pain and help the tissues regenerate and heal.

Call to schedule an appointment for any our Chicago podiatry offices: 773-205-0106

morton's neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma

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Morton’s Neuroma:  Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

One of the most common types of neuroma in the feet is Morton’s neuroma, a painful swelling that occurs in the ball of the foot.  Morton’s neuroma most commonly occurs between the third and fourth toes because space here is narrower compared to the other spaces between the toes. A Morton’s neuroma develops due to pressure, irritation, or injury to the nerves that go into your toes.

Feel like you tried everything to treat your Morton’s Neuroma but still feel the pain with walking. Still having burning pain or the feeling of walking on a marble? European Foot and Ankle Clinic is proud to offer pain medications including both oral medicines and injected solutions such as European homeopathic as well as Dehydrated Alcohol, Plasma PRP or Steroids can also be effective in providing immediate relief for symptoms, including both pain and inflammation. Other techniques like extracorporeal shockwave therapy can also be effective in treating neuromas and relieving symptoms. When surgery is necessary, the doctors use minimal incision/no scar surgeries to improve recovery time and reduce the risk of scarring.

Most patients with a Morton’s neuroma respond very well to shoe gear changes, custom orthotics, padding, anti-inflammatories, and/or a steroid injection. If a patient is still experiencing burning pain or pain to the ball of the foot  neuroma alcohol sclerosing injection therapy may be the answer you are looking for.

Call European Foot and Ankle Clinic 773-208-0106 to schedule an appointment with our podiatrist in any of 4 offices in Chicago.