Metatarsalgia refers to pain and inflammation under the metatarsal heads—typically the ball of the foot—caused by abnormal load distribution, repetitive stress, or structural deformities.
It’s a symptom complex, not a single disease, and often overlaps with other conditions such as Morton’s neuroma, capsulitis, or plantar plate injury.
Patients typically describe sharp, aching, or burning pain in the forefoot during walking or standing, often worse in thin-soled or high-heeled shoes. It might also radiate out to the toes and get relief when resting or walking on softer surfaces.
