Randomly intermittent pain in ball of foot

[Dhwanit]

Sharp movement with pain , that is while jogging or brisk walking. Indicates sometimes Ligament grade 1 sprain or tensile force on long/short flexor tendons (repetitive stress inflames or instables the area) located behind your great toes. I would suggest to apply ice pack for 10 mins with proper covering precaution every 4 hours or as convenient. Strengthen your Intrinsic Muscles of foot. You can find exercises online.

[Ron247]

If it were a ligament sprain could you explain why you think the pain may randomly come and go over very short periods of time (eg there one minute, gone the next, there again the next)? I would have thought that a ligament or tendon sprain would mean pretty much constant pain that may subside after rest but come back as soon as activity is resumed, and likely get worse with prolonged activity.

Fwiw I've had this pain for about 2 weeks or so. On the day I posted this thread I started doing SMR on my calves and around my ankle, and doing ankle mobility drills. I have not reduced my sporting activity at all, yet the pain seems to have started to disappear. To me this would suggest that something in either calf or around my ankle is tight or stiff resulting in excessive tension through the plantar fascia and causing pain at the area where the pf connects to the metatarsal joint. Would this make sense?

[chen7389]

If it were a ligament sprain could you explain why you think the pain may randomly come and go over very short periods of time (eg there one minute, gone the next, there again the next)? I would have thought that a ligament or tendon sprain would mean pretty much constant pain that may subside after rest but come back as soon as activity is resumed, and likely get worse with prolonged activity.

Fwiw I've had this pain for about 2 weeks or so. On the day I posted this thread I started doing SMR on my calves and around my ankle, and doing ankle mobility drills. I have not reduced my sporting activity at all, yet the pain seems to have started to disappear. To me this would suggest that something in either calf or around my ankle is tight or stiff resulting in excessive tension through the plantar fascia and causing pain at the area where the pf connects to the metatarsal joint. Would this make sense?

There is a muscle/tendon-flexor hallux longus run from your calf to your big toe, it sounds like what you described.
Might check your big toe extension range, and your ankle biomechanics, see if can find the cause of it.

[Dhwanit]

Hi Ron, Usually with ligament sprain grade 1 pain occurs with running activities. I think your muscle tightness words make sense. If stretching you calf muscles is helping you, you should continue that. As far plantar fasciitis is concerned. first symptom is heel pain in early morning and after sitting for longer time. I would suggest to use ice at pain site and stretches for calf muscles. Gastrocnemius and soleus stretches which you could find it online.

[chen7389]

It doesn't sound like ligament sprain or plantar fascilitis, it doesn't fit the S&S. I would go with that the tendon goes through the sesamoid bones under the big toe might be caught, stuck or sth during activities. I would assess the big toe and ankle biomechanics during activities to see the attributing factor. see this video: Natural Foot Wisdom with Podiatrist Dr. Ray McClanahan - YouTube might give some insight

[Ron247]

It doesn't sound like ligament sprain or plantar fascilitis, it doesn't fit the S&S. I would go with that the tendon goes through the sesamoid bones under the big toe might be caught, stuck or sth during activities. I would assess the big toe and ankle biomechanics during activities to see the attributing factor. see this video: Natural Foot Wisdom with Podiatrist Dr. Ray McClanahan - YouTube might give some insight

Thanks for your input. I agree that it doesn't sound like a sprain or PF. Since you last posted I've been doing SMR around my calves, working around the extensor/flexor hallucis longus areas as you suggested, as well as doing some deep massage in the sole of my foot. I found some tender areas in both my calf and foot that coincide with trigger points that are reportedly related to pain in the area I am getting it. Since I've been doing all of this work the pain has become less severe and is occuring less frequently so hopefully this will solve it.