Common Causes of Forefoot Pain

By Tim | April 27, 2023 |

Common causes of forefoot pain

An athlete sitting on a running track suffering foot pain from overtraining

 

Pain in the forefoot can be a common and debilitating condition, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. There are several possible causes of forefoot pain, ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions. Here are some of the most common causes.

 

  1. Metatarsalgia:

Metatarsalgia is a general term to describe pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. This can be caused by a number of factors that are listed below.

 

  1. Morton’s Neuroma:

Morton’s neuroma is a condition that causes pain and numbness in the ball of the foot and is caused by a thickening of the tissue around the nerve that runs between the toes. This can be caused by wearing tight shoes or high heels, or by certain foot deformities.

 

  1. Sesamoiditis:

Sesamoiditis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the sesamoid bones, which are small bones located in the ball of the foot. This can be caused by overuse, such as excessive running or jumping, or by wearing shoes that don’t provide adequate support.

 

  1. Plantar Plate Tear:

The plantar plate is a ligament located in the ball of the foot that helps to stabilize the toe joints. A tear in this ligament can cause pain and swelling in the forefoot, as well as instability in the toe joints. This can be caused by repetitive stress, such as running or jumping, or by wearing shoes that don’t provide adequate support.

 

  1. Turf Toe:

Turf toe is a condition that causes pain and swelling in the big toe joint, and is caused by a sprain to the ligaments in the joint. This can be caused by a sudden hyperextension of the toe, such as when playing sports on artificial turf.

 

  1. Stress Fractures:

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones of the foot that can cause pain and swelling in the forefoot. This can be caused by repetitive stress, such as running or jumping, or by sudden trauma to the foot.

 

In conclusion, forefoot pain can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions. If you are experiencing forefoot pain, it is important to get a correct diagnosis to determine the underlying cause of your pain and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Start your road to recovery today by booking a consultation with me so I can help you get active again without unnecessary delay.

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