A traumatic metatarsal fracture is a crack or break in one of the five metatarsal bones found in the foot. They can cause pain in the ball of the foot. A suspected metatarsal fracture warrants an evaluation by a foot fracture specialist, even if initial treatment has been started in the emergency room. This article discusses everything you ever wanted to know about how to tell if you have a foot fracture and their treatment.
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A metatarsal stress fracture is a crack or break in one of the five metatarsal bones found in the foot. Sometimes these fractures will cause pain in the ball of the foot. A suspected stress fracture warrants an evaluation by a foot fracture specialist, even if initial treatment has been started in the emergency room. Runners and triathletes should stop any activity until they make sure the bone isn't broken.
View DetailsA Callus (or callous) is an especially toughened area of skin which has become relatively thick and hard as a response to repeated contact or pressure. Since repeated contact is required, calluses are most often found on hands or feet.
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Hammertoe is a bending or contracture of one or more joints in the little toes. Because the abnormal bending in the toes increases pressure under the ball of the foot and the top of the toes, this can cause pain. Many people with hammertoes have a great deal of difficulty fitting into shoes because the top of the shoe rubs on the top of the toe joint.
View Details »Like any other type of pain, a sharp or aching pain in the ball of the foot can be distracting when you walk or run. Unlike stress fractures that often seem to be related to more diffuse pain, Predislocation Syndrome is easier to localize or pinpoint.
View Details »By definition, the medical term "neuroma" means "swollen nerve" as derived from "neuro-" (referring to nerve tissue) and "-oma" (referring to tumor). In the simplest of terms a neuroma is a swollen and irritated nerve. A "Morton's neuroma" refers specifically to a swollen nerve on the bottom of the foot between the third and fourth toes. There are other neuromas in the foot, but most occur on the bottom of the foot where they pass under a ligament before continue their course out into the toes.
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