What causes pain in the ball of the foot and forefoot?

Factors that may cause pain in the ball of the foot and forefoot are high activity levels, poorly fitted footwear, hammertoe deformity, tight toe extensors and weak toe flexors, reports WebMD. Doctors evaluate these conditions with X-rays, MRIs and ultrasounds.

A common cause of pain in the foot and forefoot is metatarsalgia, which is an overuse injury, states WebMD. People who participate in high-intensity sports, such as track and field, soccer, football and tennis, have a higher risk. Metatarsalgia changes the body's normal biomechanics, causing a person's weight to be unusually distributed. Long-term overuse foot issues may lead to inflammation and chronic irritation of ligaments and tendons.