Forefoot Pain

Forefoot pain describes discomfort affecting the front portion of the foot, particularly around the ball of the foot and the base of the toes. It may feel like aching, burning, sharp pain, pressure, or even the sensation of having something underneath your foot.

The term metatarsalgia is commonly used as an umbrella term for pain experienced around the metatarsal region or ball of the foot. Metatarsalgia is not a specific condition or diagnosis in itself; rather, it describes a symptom that can have a number of different underlying causes.

These may involve the joints, nerves, bones and soft tissues of the forefoot, as well as factors such as footwear, activity and pressure distribution. Identifying the underlying cause of the metatarsalgia is therefore an important part of choosing the most appropriate treatment.

Metatarsalgia

A general term for pain and irritation around the ball of the foot, often becoming more noticeable during standing, walking or exercise.
Morton’s Neuroma

Irritation of a nerve between the toes that can cause burning, shooting pain, tingling or the feeling of having a pebble inside your shoe. (Nerve Impingement)
Capsulitis

Irritation around one of the small joints at the base of the toes, often causing localised pain or tenderness underneath the forefoot.
Plantar Plate Injury

Irritation or injury to a supporting structure underneath the toe joint, which may cause pain beneath the forefoot and sometimes changes in the position of the toe.
Sesamoiditis

Pain and irritation beneath the big-toe joint, affecting the small sesamoid bones and surrounding tissues.
Stress Fracture

Pain involving one of the metatarsal bones, sometimes developing following an increase in walking, running or other repetitive activity.
Callus & Pressure-Related Pain

Areas of hardened skin can develop where the forefoot experiences repeated pressure or friction and may become painful when walking.
Arthritis / Joint Pain

Changes within the joints of the forefoot can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling or reduced movement.

Our Process

Appointment

We start by listening. Tell us about your symptoms, concerns, lifestyle and what you’d like to get back to doing comfortably.
Assess

We examine your feet and lower limbs, looking at movement, structure and function to better understand what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Footscan

Where appropriate, advanced pressure and gait analysis helps us see how your feet interact with the ground and identify patterns that may not be visible to the eye.
Treatment Plan

We bring everything together to create a personalised treatment plan, with clear recommendations designed around your findings, needs and goals.