Effective Metatarsalgia Treatment

Ball-of-foot pain, known medically as metatarsalgia, can be a frustrating and persistent problem that interferes with your everyday life. Whether you're on your feet for work, enjoy staying active, or simply want to walk without discomfort, this condition deserves proper attention and care.

At Foot Solutions Plymouth, we specialise in non-surgical metatarsalgia treatment tailored to your feet, your lifestyle, and your long-term comfort. If you've been struggling with pressure and pain under the ball of your foot, you're not alone, and we can help.


What Is Metatarsalgia and Why Does It Happen?


Metatarsalgia refers to pain and inflammation in the metatarsal region—the area just before your toes, also known as the ball of your foot. This pain can be caused by:

  • Wearing unsupportive or tight footwear

  • Overuse from running or walking

  • High-impact activities

  • High arches or foot abnormalities

  • Excess body weight

  • Foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes

Without treatment, metatarsalgia can become a chronic condition that limits your movement and affects your quality of life.


Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore


Common signs of metatarsalgia include:

  • A sharp, burning, or aching pain in the ball of your foot

  • A sensation of walking on a pebble

  • Numbness or tingling in the toes

  • Pain that worsens when standing, running, or walking barefoot

If these symptoms are ongoing, it’s important to seek treatment early to prevent complications or additional stress on other parts of your foot.


Non-Surgical Metatarsalgia Treatment Options


At Foot Solutions Plymouth, we focus on conservative, non-invasive treatments that are proven to bring relief and improve function. Your treatment plan may include:

1. Rest & Ice Therapy


Taking pressure off your feet and applying ice can reduce inflammation and ease pain.


2. Footwear Modifications


We recommend supportive, cushioned footwear with:

  • A wide toe box to reduce pressure

  • Shock-absorbing soles

  • Low or no heels

  • Arch support and appropriate fit

Avoid narrow, rigid shoes that compress the forefoot.

3. Custom Orthotics


Our custom-fit orthotics are designed specifically for your feet to:

  • Redistribute pressure away from painful metatarsal heads

  • Provide shock absorption

  • Improve overall alignment and gait

  • Reduce strain on joints and ligaments

We offer in-store gait analysis and foot scanning to ensure your orthotics deliver the right support for lasting relief.

4. Metatarsal Pads & Cushions


These inserts provide targeted pressure relief and can be a simple, affordable solution when paired with proper footwear.

5. Stretching & Strengthening Exercises


We’ll recommend gentle exercises that stretch the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, as well as strengthen your foot muscles. This helps reduce strain on the ball of your foot.

6. Lifestyle Adjustments


Simple changes like avoiding high-impact activities, maintaining a healthy weight, and using cushioned insoles can go a long way in reducing symptoms.

7. Pain Relief Medications


Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may be used for short-term to ease acute discomfort. Always consult with your GP before starting any medication.


When to Seek Professional Help


If your pain has lasted more than a few weeks, is interfering with your daily life, or has not improved with basic self-care, it's time to seek expert guidance.

Conditions like Morton’s neuroma, stress fractures, or arthritis can sometimes be mistaken for metatarsalgia, so an accurate diagnosis is essential.


At Foot Solutions Plymouth, we’ll assess your foot structure, gait, footwear, and pressure points before recommending the best course of action.


Why Choose Foot Solutions Plymouth?


We offer a holistic and personalised approach to foot care, combining:

  • Advanced foot scanning and gait analysis

  • Custom-built orthotics tailored to your needs

  • A curated selection of footwear designed for comfort and support

  • Expert, friendly staff with a deep understanding of foot biomechanics

  • Ongoing support and education to keep your feet healthy

As part of the trusted Foot Solutions global network, we bring medical-grade expertise to your local Plymouth community.


Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living


You don’t have to live with persistent ball-of-foot pain. With the right footwear, support, and professional guidance, metatarsalgia treatment can be simple and effective.

Contact Foot Solutions Plymouth today to schedule your consultation or visit our store for expert advice and support. Let us help you walk in comfort again.


Helpful Resources


A man is holding a pair of shoes in front of a sign that says foot solutions.

Steve Morgan

March 28, 2025
Steve Morgan loves attending concerts at London’s many music venues.  However, in recent years, his enjoyment has been increasingly marred by foot and back pain that prevented him standing for prolonged periods. A keen sportsman, Steve, 44, has a high pain threshold, but about a year ago the discomfort became debilitating, limiting both his mobility and quality of life. Recommended by a work colleague whose mother had been successfully treated for a similar complaint, Steve made an appointment for a free, no obligation assessment at Foot Solutions. “The assessment was detailed, rigorous and really interesting” explains Steve. “All the consultants at Foot Solutions are highly-trained specialists and really know their stuff. I learnt that I have over-pronating feet which means that my arches flatten on impact with the ground. The recommended treatment was customised arch supports. The consultant explained the benefits without applying any sales pressure. After consideration, I decided to proceed with the purchase.” Have the arch supports helped? “They’ve been an absolute godsend” says Steve, “The foot pain has been massively reduced and the back pain has completely gone. I can now enjoy a night out with hardly any discomfort. Plus, my balance and posture have improved so much that I’ve realised that I’m taller than people I thought were bigger than me!” Would he recommend Foot Solutions? “Definitely” confirms Steve, “Foot Solutions are massive in America and it’s easy to see why. The assessment process is excellent, the products are superb and the staff are outstanding.” If you’re suffering from foot, back or joint pain, contact Foot Solutions today to arrange a free foot and gait analysis.
A man holding a pair of shoes in front of a foot solutions sign

Colin Haylock MBE

March 28, 2025
Although officially retired as a Consultant Maxillofacial Prosthetist, Colin Haylock MBE still travels the world using his specialist life-changing skills to help rebuild people’s faces.  However, following a motorcycle accident which left his left foot badly deformed, Colin’s mobility was significantly restricted. “I was really struggling,” explains Colin, currently an honorary tutor at Guys Medical School. “Following the accident, my movement became painful and awkward and I had to drag my left foot sideways. The problem was accentuated during my travels when I was on my feet a lot of the time.” At first, Colin sought help from the usual channels, visiting casualty, a physiotherapist and even an orthoptist who prescribed rigid (and uncomfortable) half-sole inserts. Unfortunately, nothing worked. Then Colin decided to visit Foot Solutions in Richmond. “I’d been aware of the Foot Solutions free foot assessment offer for some time,” adds Colin “then one Sunday morning I called in to the store. I’m so glad I did because that visit changed my life for the better.” Colin was seen by Foot Solutions consultant Asif, who after taking a full case history, performed a series of tests and scans which identified in addition to the injury, a fallen arch which was exacerbating the problem. “Asif was extremely patient and thorough,” continues Colin, “he recommended custom-made arch supports and advised on suitable footwear, but applied no sales pressure.” Colin accepted Asif’s recommendations and followed his detailed instructions on how to use the arch supports. “I can now walk normally with virtually no discomfort,” says a delighted Colin, “Foot Solutions is a very good product and I am happy to endorse it.”
A woman is holding two pairs of shoes in front of a sign that says foot solutions.

Heather Paine

March 28, 2025
Food Scientist turned designer jeweller, Heather Paine was finding her mobility and comfort increasingly marred by the effect of arthritis in her ankles and feet. This was exacerbated by a painful condition known as hammer toes, where the toe joints curl downwards, causing friction with footwear. After enduring much discomfort, Heather eventually had an operation in an attempt to reduce the pain. Following the surgery, she was prescribed rigid, three-quarter length standard orthotics, which could only be used in a limited range of very unflattering footwear. “I came across Foot Solutions in Richmond, and decided to call in. I was very patiently and thoroughly taken through a detailed foot assessment process including two scans. Custom arch supports were recommended and I was shown a selection of stylish, comfortable and orthotic-friendly shoes.  After I was fitted with my new orthotics and footwear, the improvement has been dramatic. Life is a lot less painful and I can wear nice shoes, sandals and boots. I recently went to Brazil and spent a lot of time on my feet without any discomfort! I am more than happy to recommend Foot Solutions.”