Aching, burning, or a “walking on pebbles” feeling in the ball of your foot is often metatarsalgia — pain and inflammation where the long bones meet the toes. At Kim Holistic Foot & Ankle Center, we’ve provided metatarsalgia treatment in Long Beach for more than 35 years, taking pressure off the sore spot and treating what’s driving it. Call (562) 426-2551 or book an appointment online.
Metatarsalgia is a general term for pain in the ball of the foot, usually from too much pressure over the metatarsal heads. It can feel like aching, burning, or sharpness that worsens with standing, walking, or running. Common contributors include:
Most cases improve with conservative care once we pinpoint the source of the pressure:
We’re located at 701 E 28th St #111, Long Beach, CA 90806 — serving Long Beach, Signal Hill, Lakewood, Carson, and surrounding communities. Office hours: Mon 9:00 AM–12:30 PM & 2:00–5:30 PM; Tue–Wed 9:15 AM–12:30 PM & 2:00–5:30 PM; Thu 9:15 AM–12:30 PM & 2:30–5:30 PM. Closed Fridays except the third Friday of each month; closed weekends.
Aching, burning, or sharp pain in the ball of the foot that’s worse with standing, walking, or running, and often eases with rest. Some people describe feeling like there’s a pebble under the foot.
Metatarsalgia is general ball-of-foot pain from pressure; a Morton’s neuroma is a specific irritated nerve, often with burning or numbness into the toes. They can overlap, so an exam helps tell them apart.
Usually with supportive footwear, metatarsal pads or custom orthotics, activity adjustments, and treating any underlying cause like a bunion or hammertoe. Most people improve without surgery.
If the pain lasts more than a week or two, keeps returning, or affects how you walk — and sooner if you have diabetes or numbness in the foot.
Call (562) 426-2551 or request an appointment at our Long Beach office. We’ll work to identify what’s driving your ball-of-foot pain and start a treatment plan — often beginning at your first visit.