Best Insoles for Metatarsalgia (Ball of Foot Pain)

Metatarsalgia, also called ball of foot pain, is a broad term for pain in the ball of the foot/forefoot.

You may experience aching or burning beneath the ball of the foot, and you may feel as if you have a pebble in your shoe. The discomfort is often made worse with standing or walking activities. Rest and supportive shoes/inserts can treat this condition. Learn more about metatarsalgia.

What Causes Metatarsalgia?

Ball of Foot pain can be caused by a few different factors, including:

• Inflammation of Metatarsal Bones: Metatarsalgia is caused by inflammation of one or more of the metatarsal bones (toe bones) and the joints in the ball of the foot. The pain and inflammation are usually due to excessive pressure over a prolonged period which can be caused by activity, improper footwear, or foot structure.
• Poorly Fitted Shoes: Poorly fitting shoes are the most common cause of metatarsalgia. Shoes that are too small, shoes that lack proper support, and high-heeled shoes can put stress and strain on the foot and cause the condition to develop. Strenuous activities such as running or jumping are another possible cause.

Treatment For Metatarsalgia

Fortunately, Ball of Foot pain is simple to treat. The most common option is to purchase a metatarsal pad (met pad) and place it behind the metatarsal heads on the ball of the foot. This reduces the pressure on the affected metatarsal heads and provides support for the transverse arch. (Proper placement is important; the met pad needs to be placed behind the bones and not underneath them.) Because correct placement can be difficult to pinpoint, at times it is better to purchase insoles with a metatarsal pad already built in. This allows for better support for the foot and proper placement of the met pad.

Better footwear can help too. A slight rocker sole in the forefoot of the shoe can aid in relief because it reduces the amount of force exerted on the metatarsal heads at the toe-off. 

If pain lingers, icing and resting the foot should help – a light massage with a rubber ball works well too.

How Insoles Help With  Metatarsalgia

Insoles can help ease/treat ball of foot pain in the following ways:

• Some insoles redistribute pressure away from the ball of the foot by incorporating metatarsal pads. This helps spread the weight across the entire forefoot rather than concentrating it on painful pressure points.
• Shock absorption helps dampen impact and stress on the ball of the foot while walking and running.
• By providing arch support, insoles help maintain proper foot positioning that prevents excessive pressure from shifting forward to the ball of the foot. 
• Cushioned insoles with deep heel cups help keep the fatty pad of the heel properly positioned, which aids in natural shock absorption.