Metatarsalgia is the inflammation of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th metatarsal
heads (the rounded ends of the bones that connect with the bones) or of
the first metatarsal head, near the big toe. Pain is experienced on the
balls of the feet, known as the metatarsal region.
Causes
The pain is caused when extensive, intense pressure inflames the
metatarsal heads. This happens during extreme activity, like power
walking or running. It can also be caused by other foot problems, such
as hammer toes, bunions, Morton’s neuroma and thinning of the fat pads
at the balls of the feet.
