Metatarsalgia is a general term used to refer to any painful foot condition affecting the metatarsal region of the foot. This is a common problem that can affect the joints and bones of the metatarsals. Metatarsalgia is most often localized to the the first metatarsal head (near the big toe). There are two small sesamoid bone under the first metatarsal head (the kneecap is the largest sesamoid bone in the body. The next most frequent site of metatarsal head pain is under the second metatarsal. This can be due to either too short a first metatarsal bone (length) or to "hypermobility of the first ray" (metatarsal bone + cunieform bone behind it; this results in more pressure being transmitted into the second metatarsal head.

Pain

Metatarsalgia