What Causes Pain in the Ball of Your Foot?
Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 21st, 2026.
Pain in the ball of your foot, called metatarsalgia, typically results from excessive pressure on the metatarsal bones and surrounding tissues. Common causes include wearing high heels or tight shoes, participating in high-impact activities like running or jumping, and having foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. Conditions like Morton's neuroma, stress fractures, or arthritis can also trigger this pain. Being overweight increases pressure on the forefoot, while certain foot shapes like high arches or flat feet alter weight distribution. Studies show that up to 10% of adults experience forefoot pain annually. The pain often feels like walking on pebbles or having a bruise under your foot, typically worsening during weight-bearing activities.
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