Pain in the ball of your foot deserves a visit to the Oregon Institute of Foot Care in Lake Oswego, OR. Ball of foot pain can interfere with your ability to do the activities you love, making simple tasks such as standing or walking uncomfortable or impossible. Dr. Tyler Manson can evaluate your ball of foot pain and give you relief.
What Is Ball of Foot Pain?
Ball of foot pain, also known as metatarsalgia, refers to discomfort in the area just behind your toes. This condition can result from various factors, including overuse, improper footwear, or underlying medical issues. Symptoms often include sharp, aching, or burning sensations in the forefoot, which may worsen during physical activity.
You don’t need to live with your ball of foot pain; in most cases, it can be treated with conservative treatments. The Oregon Institute of Foot Care can help you resolve your pain before it becomes chronic and debilitating.
Causes and Treatments of Ball of Foot Pain
Neuroma
Tight shoes and prolonged standing worsen symptoms. Physical exams, X-rays, and diagnostic ultrasound are often used to diagnose a neuroma. Conservative treatment involves specific padding in shoes, steroid injections, and custom orthotics. Rarely, surgical removal of the neuroma is required.
Metatarsalgia
Relief typically comes from cushioned insoles, proper footwear, and reduced activity.
Capsulitis
Capsulitis, or the inflammation of the joint capsule at the toe joints, can be a common cause of ball of foot pain. It leads to sharp, localized pain and joint instability. Conservative treatment involves specific shoe padding, rest, immobilization, steroid injections, and custom orthotics.
Calluses
Dr. Manson can usually relieve your pain immediately with a quick and painless shave of the callus. However, if the cause of the callus is not addressed, it will likely return. If you don’t want to come in every couple of months to have the callus shaved down, it is worth treating the cause of the callus.
Treating the cause of the callus involves a thorough physical exam and often X-rays. Once the cause is determined, Dr. Manson will develop a treatment plan to reduce the pressure causing the callus, allowing it to heal. This plan may involve custom orthotics to take pressure off of a specific area, correcting a hammertoe, or Leneva® for corns and calluses.
Structural imbalances, such as hammertoes or metatarsal misalignment, can also contribute to calluses and bunions. Addressing these root causes can lead to more effective long-term relief.
Sesamoiditis
When to See a Podiatrist
If your pain persists beyond a few days of rest and icing, or worsens with activity, it’s time to consult a podiatrist for foot pain in Portland. Our team evaluates how you walk, examines your footwear, and uses digital imaging to uncover underlying causes.
We treat patients from across the region, including those seeking a metatarsalgia specialist in Lake Oswego or foot neuroma treatment in West Linn.
Personalized Treatment Options
Our approach is to personalize your treatment to your condition and lifestyle. Options may include:
- Custom orthotics to relieve pressure on painful areas
- Padding and taping techniques
- Shoe recommendations
- Cortisone injections for targeted relief
- Surgical options in advanced or chronic cases
We’re proud to be a trusted provider of ball of foot pain treatment in Portland, OR for everything from sports injuries to nerve pain, such as Morton’s neuroma in Portland, Oregon.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery depends on the root cause and treatment selected. For mild issues, like early metatarsalgia, most patients feel improvement within two to four weeks with conservative care. If Morton’s neuroma causes your pain or requires surgical care, full recovery may take six to eight weeks or more.
We work closely with you through every step of your recovery and offer long-term guidance to prevent recurrence. Whether you need custom orthotics or surgery, our clinic ensures a smooth, supported experience during your ball of foot pain treatment in Portland, OR.
Benefits of Treating Your Ball of Foot Pain
- Alleviation of pain and discomfort
- Improved mobility and ability to perform daily activities
- Prevention of further foot complications
- Enhanced quality of life through restored foot function
Cost of Ball of Foot Pain Treatment
The cost of ball of foot pain treatment in Portland, OR depends on your specific diagnosis and treatment plan:
- Consultation and diagnostic imaging, discussed during your initial visit
- Custom orthotics, priced based on materials and insurance coverage
- In-office treatments like cortisone injections, billed separately if required
- Surgery, fully explained during pre-operative consultation
We accept most insurance plans and offer flexible payment options. Learn more about our insurance policies and financial guidelines.
Why Choose Us for Ball of Foot Pain Treatment in Portland, OR?
At Oregon Institute of Foot Care, we care about healthy, happy, beautiful feet. We strive to provide personalized foot care, including ball of foot pain treatment in Portland, OR, and achieve the outcomes, both functionally and cosmetically, that our patients desire.
What sets OIFC apart is our dedication to providing the highest quality care available, using the latest medical techniques and technologies, educating patients to make informed healthcare decisions, and restoring foot and ankle function as quickly and beautifully as possible. Our mission is to give you healthy, happy, beautiful feet.
We welcome patients from Portland, Lake Oswego, West Linn, and surrounding communities who need medical foot care. Take the first step toward relief by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Tyler Manson and the rest of our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes ball of foot pain?
It’s usually due to excess pressure on the metatarsal bones or nerves. Common causes include participation in high-impact sports, wearing tight shoes, and age-related changes.
Do I need surgical ball of foot pain treatment?
Most patients find relief with non-surgical options. Surgery is considered when conservative care doesn’t resolve the problem.
How long should I wait before seeing a podiatrist for ball of foot pain?
If your pain persists for more than a few days, worsens with activity, or affects your ability to walk, it’s best to see a podiatrist. Early treatment can prevent further damage and may reduce the need for more aggressive interventions.
Can I treat ball of foot pain at home?
Mild symptoms may improve with rest, ice, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, and cushioned insoles. However, these are short-term fixes. If pain continues, it’s important to consult a specialist like Dr. Manson to address the root cause and avoid long-term complications.
What types of shoes are best for preventing ball of foot pain?
Choose shoes with a wide toe box, cushioned soles, and good arch support. Avoid high heels, thin soles, and narrow shoes that put pressure on the forefoot. An experienced podiatrist, such as Dr. Manson, can also recommend custom orthotics for improved long-term support.
Get Back on Your Feet Today!
Don’t let foot pain slow you down. If you’re searching for effective and lasting ball of foot pain treatment in Portland, OR, Oregon Institute of Foot Care is here to help. Whether you’re dealing with metatarsalgia, a foot neuroma, or unexplained forefoot pain, Dr. Manson provides targeted, patient-first care suited to your lifestyle. To walk pain-free again, contact us to schedule your consultation today.
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Ankle And Leg
About
At Oregon Institute of Foot Care, we care about healthy, happy, beautiful feet. We strive to provide personalized foot care and achieve the outcomes, both functionally and cosmetically, that our patients desire. What sets OIFC apart is our dedication to providing the highest quality care available, utilizing the latest medical techniques and technologies, educating patients to make well-informed health care decisions, and restoring foot and ankle function as quickly and beautifully as possible. Our mission is to give you healthy, happy, beautiful feet.
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