The metatarsal is the part of the foot between the arch and toes. As you walk, your weight is transferred from the heel to the ball of your foot. If your body weight is not properly aligned on the sole, can suffer pain and swelling.

You can have it if you experience pain in the ball of the foot area. Often painful corns can also occur in the underlying skin.

As we age, usually lose the layer of fat in this area of the foot, causing abnormal pressure and blows to the area. People with abnormally high arches or overweight people may also experience this type of pain.

Besides the possible reduced fat, pain in the ball of the foot can be caused by abnormalities in the feet, arthritis, certain ill-fitting shoes, wear high heels too often, or any abnormal pressure on the ball of the foot. Other foot problems such as hammer toes, can also cause incorrect pressure distribution.

• Use insoles designed to lift and separate the long bones of the arc, pressure transferring metatarsus of the foot.
• Limit how often you wear high heels, as they can cause abnormal weight shifting to the toes
• Wear shoes when exercising adequate to distribute the weight evenly along their feet
• Maintain a healthy weight