Metatarsal Pain (Metatarsalgia): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate metatarsalgia (midfoot pain):

• Activity-dependent pain (stabbing, burning) in the area of the mid forefoot.
• Painful calluses in the area of the metatarsal heads.
• Advanced stage: ulcers (skin ulcers), Klavi (corns).

Warning signs (red flags)

• Metatarsalgia on exertion and at rest → think of: Narrowing syndrome of a common digital plantar nerve at the level of the intermetatarsal ligaments, called Morton’s neuralgia: Symptoms: burning, shooting pain in the forefoot, occasionally radiating to the toes; possibly also V-shaped divergence of the second and third toes (“V” or “Victory” sign).