Pain in the ball of the foot

Causes of pain in the ball of your foot include exercising a lot, wearing tight shoes, and conditions such as bunions or arthritis.

You can usually ease pain in the ball of your foot by resting and raising your foot, using an ice pack and taking painkillers.

Pain in the ball of your foot is often caused by exercise, such as running, wearing shoes that are too tight or a condition such as arthritis.

Some people also have a foot shape that puts extra pressure on the ball of the foot. Hard or cracked skin or a verruca can also cause this type of pain.

Do not try to diagnose the cause of pain yourself.

You might be able to treat pain in the ball of your foot yourself.

• rest and raise your foot when you can

• put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas in a towel) on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours

• wear shoes with plenty of room for your feet, which have a low heel and soft sole

• use soft insoles or pads in your shoes

• try to lose weight if you're overweight

• try regular, gentle foot and ankle-stretching exercises

• use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel (or ibuprofen tablets if needed)

• do not do any sports or other activity that you think is causing the pain

• do not walk or stand for long periods

• do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes

You can ask a pharmacist about:

• the best painkiller to take
• insoles and pads for your shoes
• if you need to see a GP

• pain in the ball of your foot is stopping you doing normal activities
• the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
• the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks
• you have any tingling or loss of sensation in your foot
• you have diabetes and foot pain – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes

Refer yourself for back or joint help

In many areas you may be able to get help, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP.

Get NHS help for back or joint problems