My 10 yr old daughter has been complaining of a sore foot. The pain seems to be localized on the ball of her foot under her big toe. She is very active and dances three times a week. What can I do to help ease the pain?

There are quite a few possiblities that your daughter could have to the ball of the foot; mainly at the great toes. You always have to rule out fracture or stress fracture. These both would be ruled out by radiographs. Another possible diagnosis which is big in dancers is that of sesamoiditis. Everyone has two sesamoid bones at the great toe joint. These sesamoids can become inflammed and/or fractured. Some podiatrist will treat this with steroid injections and/or paddings and strapping. I would highly recommend that you make an appointment with her doctor prior to allowing her to continue dancing three times a week without a definite diagnosis.