# Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia)

> Burning or stabbing pain under the ball of the foot? Read about metatarsalgia and splay foot and how a handmade insole with a metatarsal pad helps.

Canonical: https://www.podologiebenerink.nl/en/foot-complaints/forefoot-pain/

Metatarsalgia is pain under the ball of the foot, at the level of the metatarsal bones. Often the transverse arch has collapsed (splay foot), so the metatarsal heads take too much pressure.

#### Symptoms and causes
- Burning, stabbing or aching pain under the ball of the foot
- A feeling of walking on a pebble
- Calluses under the forefoot
- Worse on hard surfaces, in heels or when running

Causes include splay foot or high arches, hammer toes, narrow shoes and heels, and rheumatism.

#### How handmade insoles help
A handmade insole with a metatarsal pad – a small raise just behind the ball of the foot – supports the transverse arch and takes pressure off the painful heads. Soft padding and a cut-out under the most painful spot spread the load further. Research shows custom insoles reduce forefoot pain, including in rheumatism and hallux valgus.

#### What you can do – and when to see a doctor
Wear shoes with a wide toe box and a low heel, and avoid long walks on hard surfaces while the pain persists.

If the pain does not improve after a few weeks, if there is swelling, redness or loss of sensation, or if you have diabetes or rheumatism, also have the complaint assessed by your GP.


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Podologie Benerink v.o.f. is a family-run podiatry practice in the Netherlands (Chamber of Commerce 60168757) that has been making expertly handmade podiatric insoles, children’s insoles, work insoles and orthoses since 1998. Registered podiatrist Willeke Benerink, podiatrist Wim Benerink and Elke Benerink (sports and wellbeing). Affiliated with the LOOP foundation; registered healthcare provider. Languages: Dutch, English, German.

## Contact
- Phone: (+31) 06 - 103 425 74 (+31610342574)
- Email: info@podologiebenerink.nl
- Contact: https://www.podologiebenerink.nl/en/contact/
- Address: Brinkstraat 6A, 7591 DP Denekamp, Netherlands

## Locations and practice days
- Oldenzaal: KroeseWevers kantoor, De Matenstraat 47, 7572 BV Oldenzaal – Every other Wednesday (https://www.podologiebenerink.nl/en/locations/oldenzaal/)
- Denekamp: Brinkstraat 6A, 7591 DP Denekamp – Every other Wednesday and every Saturday (https://www.podologiebenerink.nl/en/locations/denekamp/)
- Losser: Carint Losser, Lutterstraat 2a, 7581 BV Losser – Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month (https://www.podologiebenerink.nl/en/locations/losser/)
- Germany (on-site visits): Nordhorn, Neuenhaus, Lingen

## Prices
- Adults, first pair: € 230 (includes: Consultation € 60, 1 pair of insoles € 170, Follow-up check within the first 6 months)
- Children up to 16, first pair: € 220 (includes: Consultation € 60, 1 pair of insoles € 160, Follow-up check within the first 6 months)
- Second pair (adults and children): € 150
- Certified work insoles: € 250 (includes: Consultation € 60, 1 pair of insoles € 190, Follow-up check within the first 6 months)
- Repair of therapeutic insoles: € 40
- Orthoses: from € 30
- Medical taping: € 30
- Consultation and examination: € 60
- Check-up after 6 months: € 30