What is a metatarsal stress fracture?
A metatarsal stress fracture is a condition characterized by an incomplete crack in one of the metatarsal bones. There are five metatarsal bones each of which is located in the forefoot (figure 1). Several muscles attach to the metatarsal bones. When these muscles contract, a pulling force is exerted on the respective bones. Furthermore, weight bearing activity places load through the metatarsals. When these forces are excessive or too repetitive and beyond what the bone can withstand, bony damage can gradually occur. This initially results in a bony stress reaction, however, with continued damage may progress to a metatarsal stress fracture. Of the metatarsals, the second metatarsal (next to the big toe) is most commonly affected.
