Metatarsalgia is most often localized to the first metatarsal head – the ball of the foot just behind the big toe.
Metatarsalgia is characterized by a sharp pain in the ball of the foot.
High-heeled, tight, or narrow shoes can make pain worse.
[citation needed] If a patient feels pain in the ball of the foot a podiatrist is the best source for a diagnosis.
[citation needed] The most common treatments are:[1] Removing excess callouses may be helpful.