The ball of the foot is the part of the underside of the foot that has to absorb the loads and stresses from the whole body in everyday life when standing and running. Under the bone of the soccer are tendons and fatty bodies, which can lead to complaints such as pain in the ball of the foot due to excessive strain. The following text explains what causes this can lead to, what you can do about it and when a visit to the doctor is necessary.
Possible causes
The following causes can lead to pain in the ball of the foot in addition to overloading the soccer (most common cause) and should be examined by a doctor if suspected:
- Fatigue fractures: occur due to insufficient bone density (osteoporosis), which can no longer withstand overloading of the bone and is injured.
- Malpositions of the feet: An acquired or congenital malposition (e.g. pointed foot) of the feet can lead to increased pressure on the ball of the foot.
- Arthrosis of the metatarsophalangeal or toe joints: Age-related wear and tear of the cartilage in the joints of the foot can lead to pain in the ball of the foot.
- Metabolic disorders: Pathological metabolic deposits in the ankle joints, such as gout, cause pain in the ball of the foot due to inflammatory processes.
- Therapy for a fatigue fracture
- Physiotherapy for foot and ankle diseases
- Physiotherapy foot malpositions
Can you treat it yourself?
If the soccer is simply overburdened, you can use various aids and methods yourself to do something about the ball of your foot:
- Minimize the wearing of unsuitable shoes like heels and do not wear them too long.
- Also change your shoes more often during the day or run more often barefoot. This causes a physiological rolling of the foot when running and the ball of the foot is relieved more often.
- Use a hedgehog ball or stones to position the sole of your foot on it and apply light pressure. This has a massaging effect and relaxes the muscles and tendons on the sole of your foot. This leads to improved blood circulation in the tissues and a reduction in pain.
- If necessary, there are special insoles for the ball of the foot which can be put into the shoe and relieve the ball of the foot when walking and standing.
- Splints can also help to relieve pressure from the ball of the foot.
- In any case, warm baths can promote blood circulation in the tissues and relieve ball of foot pain.
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