Jan 27 2010
The plantar plate is a thick, fibrous structure at the base of each metatarsal phalangeal joint. This fibrous band stabilizes the toe, preventing it from elevating or deviating. A tear of the plantar plate will cause joint instability along with pain and swelling around the joint. This tends to be common at the 2nd metatarsal-phalangeal joint, which is shown in the image to the left. Continue Reading »
Dec 02 2009
Metatarsalgia (MET – tuh tar – SAL – juh) is a catch-all term used to describe a number of conditions which cause pain in the ball of the foot. “Metatarsal” is the name for the long bones in the foot and the suffix “algia” means pain. This term appropriately describes the condition of pain in the metatarsal area. The heads of the central metatarsals, 2, 3 and 4, make up 
what most consider the ball of the foot and they are the most commonly affected. Due to excess pressure, overuse and/or microtrauma, one or more of the heads of the metatarsals become inflamed and painful. Continue Reading »
Jun 11 2009
A Morton’s neuroma is an inflamed nerve in the ball of the foot. The inflamed nerve causes pain which shoots out to the 3rd and 4th toes. Tingling, burning or numbness may accompany the pain and some feel as if they are walking on a lump, a bunched up sock or a lamp cord. The pain is generally worse with standing or walking and there may be a “twang” sensation in the ball of the foot. Continue Reading »
Dec 04 2008
A dropped metatarsal is the common name for a plantar flexed metatarsal. A metatarsal which sits far enough below the other metatarsals to cause pain and swelling, is actually quite rare. In the pictures on the left, the 2nd long bone in the foot (the 2nd metatarsal) is seated at a lower level in comparison to the other metatarsals. 
When this occurs, the second metatarsal will be forced to take up extra stress and pressure. Since the smaller metatarsals are not designed to take up this extra pressure, the tissues surrounding the joint become inflamed and painful. In many cases a callus will develop under the 2nd toe joint.
Pain under the second toe joint is more commonly caused by faulty foot mechanics. This means that when a flexible foot rolls in too much (excess Continue Reading »
Dec 20 2007
There are many foot problems which can plague tele skiers and like alpine skiers, most are from improper boot fit. Boots which are too tight can constrict circulation causing cold and numb feet and boots which are too short will cause jamming at the toes, black toenails and ingrown toenails. Boot liners which don’t fit appropriately can rub and irritate all areas of the foot, most commonly the inside of the ankle. But, one of the more common foot problems experienced by telemark skiers is pain in the ball of the foot. This is generally due to a neuroma.
Dec 06 2007
Pain under the ball of the foot could represent a number of different problems. Metatarsalgia, neuromas, 2nd metatarsal overload syndrome and sesamoiditis are some of the more common ball of foot problems.
Metatarsalgia: Metatarsalgia is the common catch all term for pain in the ball of the foot. Pain is generally deep and dull with walking and occurs under the 2nd, 3rd and 4th metatarsal phalangeal joints (MPJs). The common cause for the pain is faulty foot mechanics placing to much pressure on the ball of the foot, resulting in irritation and inflammation of the joints. Continue Reading »
May 16 2007
Pain from neuromas usually occurs in the ball of the foot, hence the term “ball of foot pain”. The pain can be dull and deep, sharp and electrical, shooting pain to the toes, numbness at the toes, tingling, burning or pins and needles sensations. Many describe only a discomfort, like walking on a lump or ball or a bunched up sock. Others will describe a “twang”, like someone strummed on a guitar string, or as if a tendon is moving back and forth. These are all sensations which people can feel when they have a neuroma.
Advice on Foot Care Northcoast Footcare Images on Flickr
