What it is
Wider shoes with low heels, insoles, rest and pain relief often help.
Steroid injections or surgery may be offered if symptoms do not improve.
Common signs
- Sharp, burning or shooting pain in the ball of the foot
- Feeling like a stone is in your shoe
- Tingling or numbness in the toes
- Pain that is worse in tight shoes
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination of the foot
- Ultrasound or MRI scan
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Ultrasound or MRI reports
- Podiatry and orthopaedic letters
- Injection dates
Questions to ask your doctor
- What kind of shoes and insoles should I wear?
- Would an injection help?
- When is surgery considered?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A hot, red, swollen foot with fever, especially if you have diabetes: get urgent medical help
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.