Calluses are the most common source of pain on the ball of the foot. Treatment consists of periodic trimming or shaving the callus, padding the shoes to remove the pressure, using shoe orthotics, or, in severe cases, surgery.

Pain in the ball of the foot not associated with calluses can be a result of inflammation of a tendon in the toe, arthritis, inflammation of the joint, or a neuroma. Stiffness in the big toe and big toe joint (Hallux Limitus and Hallus Rigidis) and sesamoiditis, an inflammation of two small bones under the big toe joint, are also conditions that lead to pain in the ball of the foot.

While treatments vary based on the condition and individual case, techniques for reducing pain in the ball of the foot include:

• Physical therapy and exercise.
• Over-the-counter or prescription pain and/or anti-inflammatory medications.
• Orthoticsor specially prescribed corrective shoes.
• Cortisone injections.
• Proper shoe wear.