A variety of surgical procedures are performed to treat bunions. The procedures are designed to remove the "bump" of bone, correct the changes in the bony structure of the foot, as well as correct soft tissue changes that may also have occurred. The goal of these corrections is the elimination of pain. In selecting the procedure or combination of procedures for your particular case, the surgeon will take into consideration the extent of your deformity based on the x-ray findings, your age, your activity level, and other factors. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed. Corns and calluses are thickened layers of skin that are caused by irritation. The skin is usually cone-shaped and has a knobby core, which points inward. This core can put pressure on the underlying thin skin and cause sharp pain. Corns can develop on top of or between your toes. Soft corns develop between your toes, where they are kept pliable by the moisture from perspiration. Calluses develop on the bottom of your foot. Corns and calluses develop as a result of friction from the toes rubbing together or against the shoe. One of the main causes of foot problems is poor-fitting shoes. Three out of four people over the age of 65 wear shoes that are too small. Narrow or high heeled shoes, shoes with slippery soles, or ones that offer no protection or support may cause serious injury and pain, and increase your chance of a fall. Most foot problems can be treated effectively. A trained healthcare professional who specializes in the feet?known as a podiatrist or chiropodist?can diagnose your condition and choose the appropriate treatment. Often a change in footwear will do the trick. You do not have to suffer needlessly. The Cluffy P4 Everyday Wedge fits underneath the insole or orthotic, and takes pressure off the ball of the foot. It also alleviates stiffness in the big toe joint, which is a common accompaniment to ball of foot pain. Pedag Unisex High Life Ball of Foot Cushion is another cushion specifically to place in your shoes right under where the ball of your foot falls. This cushion is made of gel, is anatomically shaped, and even can help if your shoes are too big in the forefoot. Use insoles designed to lift and separate the long bones of the arch, transferring pressure away from the ball of foot area Although ball of foot pain is more common in women, it may also affect men. Inflammation and ball of foot pain (metatarsalgia) is a symptom of other conditions ? often overuse injuries from high-impact sports or problems from poorly fitting shoes or high heels. Other possible contributors are excess weight, certain toe shapes, and hammertoes and bunions. I've had osteoarthritis for a very long time and being only 27, it is pretty well-controlled with Mobic and my regular physical therapy/exercise routine. This toe pain is different, though arthritis can cause toe pain. When arthritis is the cause, the big toe is most often affected. High Impact Activities which place a lot of strain on the ball of your foot, like jogging, can lead to ball of foot pain. Make sure to ease up on any activities that increase your ball of foot pain to allow your body time to heal. Poorly Fitted Shoes that cramp the toes and forefoot can put pressure on the bones, tendons and nerves of the feet. Ball of foot pain is a common outcome from this type of pressure. That is why KURU offers a broader toe box to help improve circulation to your ball of foot. The ball of your foot, medically referred to as metatarsal, is generally the part of the foot, minus the toes, left in contact with the ground when you raise your heel. Under certain high impact situations, the area can receive the full weight of your body. And repetitive stress to the ball of foot is a cause of metatarsalgia. Underlying Medical Conditions ? Bunions, rheumatoid arthritis, fluid in the toe area, Morton?s neuroma and diabetes are known to cause metatarsalgia. Lose weight. If you are carrying extra weight, even a small amount of weight loss can help take some of the pressure off of your feet and reduce the pain. Did you know that pain in the ball of the foot may be due to an inability to fully bend your ankle joint? Did you also know that the type of shoes that you wear (i.e. high heels) may be at the root of the cause of the pain ? Don't despair. There are some simple exercises that may help to relieve the pain in the ball of the foot Roll backward through the right foot to plug in the right heel again, plugging in both inner and outer heel prongs in the right foot. Notice if it is difficult for you to land with both heel prongs plugging in.