How Don Kelly’s Custom Orthotics Can Help
If you’ve ever felt a burning, aching, or sharp pain under the ball of your foot — especially when walking, standing for long periods, or wearing tight shoes — you may be experiencing metatarsalgia, commonly known as ball of foot pain. This condition can significantly affect your daily mobility and quality of life.
At Don Kelly Physiotherapy and Acupuncture, with clinics conveniently located in Limerick and Charleville, Cork, we specialize in identifying the root causes of foot pain and providing non-surgical, effective treatment options tailored to each individual.
Metatarsalgia results from activities that involve running and jumping. Other causes include feet that aren’t formed correctly and shoes that are too tight or too loose.
Although not often serious, metatarsalgia can make it hard to move.
Common Causes of Ball of Foot Pain
Ball of foot pain can develop due to several factors, including:
Poor footwear – especially high heels or shoes with inadequate cushioning.
Overuse injuries – common among runners, walkers, and athletes.
Foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or high arches.
Improper gait or biomechanics leading to uneven pressure on the metatarsal heads.
Arthritis or nerve irritation (Morton’s neuroma).
Ignoring the symptoms can lead to chronic pain and even changes in how you walk — which may cause knee, hip, or lower back issues over time.
Symptoms
Symptoms of metatarsalgia can include:
- Sharp, aching or burning pain in the ball of the foot. The ball is the part of the sole just behind the toes.
- Pain that gets worse with standing, running, flexing the feet or walking. Doing any of these barefoot on a hard surface makes the pain worse. The pain gets better with rest.
- Sharp or shooting pain, numbness or tingling in the toes.
- A feeling of having a pebble in the shoe of the affected foot.
Plantar fascia stretch sitting
Sit up straight in a chair.
Place the ankle of your affected leg over the knee of your other leg.
Grasp the toes of your affected foot and pull your foot and toes up towards you.
You should feel a stretch in the sole of your foot.
Hold this position.
AROM toe flexion
From a lying or seated position, try to bend your toes.
Imagine the tips of your toes are being pulled towards the arch of your foot.
Relax and repeat.
Plantar massage with spikey ball
Sit up straight in a chair.
Place a spikey ball on the floor and put the foot you would like to work on top of the ball.
With gentle to moderate pressure, roll your foot over the ball.
Focus on the softer areas of your foot, rather than the hard areas.
Continue this motiona at a pressure that is tolerable to you.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Ball of Foot Pain
At Don Kelly Physiotherapy, each treatment plan begins with a comprehensive biomechanical assessment. Don carefully evaluates your gait, foot structure, and muscle balance to determine the root cause of your discomfort.
Physiotherapy treatment may include:
Manual therapy and joint mobilization to reduce stiffness.
Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve foot mechanics.
Dry needling to release tight muscles and reduce inflammation.
Soft tissue massage to relieve tension around the foot and calf.
These hands-on therapies aim to restore normal foot function, reduce pain, and prevent recurrence.
The Role of Custom Orthotics
One of the most effective solutions for persistent ball of foot pain is the use of custom-made orthotics.
Unlike generic insoles, Don Kelly’s custom orthotics are designed specifically for your foot shape and gait pattern.
Benefits of custom orthotics include:
Evenly distributing pressure across the foot.
Reducing strain on the metatarsal heads.
Correcting poor foot alignment and posture.
Preventing further injury and providing long-term pain relief.
Each pair is crafted following a precise biomechanical assessment and foot scan, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness — whether you’re an athlete, office worker, or active senior.
Get Relief from Ball of Foot Pain Today
If you’re struggling with foot pain or discomfort, don’t wait until it worsens.
Book an appointment at Don Kelly Physiotherapy and Acupuncture in Limerick or Charleville, Cork today.
📍 Limerick Clinic – Conveniently located for patients across the city and surrounding areas.
📍 Charleville Clinic (Co. Cork) – Serving the North Cork region and nearby communities.
Call today to schedule your consultation and learn how physiotherapy, dry needling, and custom orthotics can relieve your ball of foot pain effectively and naturally.
Why Choose Don Kelly Physiotherapy and Acupuncture
Don’s goal is simple: to help you move better, live pain-free, and get back to doing the things you love.
With over 26 years of experience, Don Kelly has successfully treated thousands of patients across Limerick and Charleville. His expertise in physiotherapy, dry needling, acupuncture, and orthotic prescription ensures that every patient receives a comprehensive and personalized treatment approach — not just symptom relief.
