Question
QUESTION: What are the possible causes for a feeling of heaviness in the balls of the feet?
ANSWER: Hi Karen,

Do you have any medical problems?  Taking any medications?  Smoke?  Alcohol?  Is it just heaviness or is there pain?  Have you had foot problems in the past.

Let's answer these questions and please provide any other information .

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com
www.fix-my-foot.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: No medical problems. Medications: Levothroxine for underactive thyroid; Actonel to prevent bone loss. Have never smoked. Drink alcohol rarely. No foot pain or other problems. Just a sensation of heaviness or a feeling that can be best described as if I am wearing socks and they are bunched up under the balls of my feet. The skin is smooth with just light callous. I spend a good deal of my day on my feet.

Answer
Hi Karen,

The sensation that you describe may be associated with lack of foot support.  This will cause pressure on the ball of the foot which will be perceived as an odd sensation.  This is treated with custom foot supports from a Podiatrist.

I often hear of this sensation in people with a condition known as peripheral neuropathy.  This may be accompanied by foot numbness and pain in some people.  Cause for neuropathy include diabetes, alcohol abuse, chemeotherapy, autoimmune disease and in many cases the cause in unknown.

I would see a Podiatrist and have an exam.  If you have a  history of diabetes, obesity or other problems noted above, I would have some blood drawn to test for some medical cause. This can be done by your Primary care Dr.

I hope that will get you started and all is well.  

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com
www.fix-my-foot.com