Pain in the ball of the foot—metatarsalgia— is commonly due to excessive pressure on the ball of the foot from high-impact sports, poorly fitting footwear, or being overweight.
Other causes include a foot deformity, such as high arches, a bunion, or hammer toe; a stress fracture of the metatarsals (the bones between the ankle and toes); and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout , diabetes , or Morton’s neuroma (irritation of a nerve between the toe bones).
The pain may be relieved by rest; losing weight, if necessary; shoe inserts; and pain relievers. Other treatment depends on the underlying cause.