• Pain and burning in the forefoot

• Swelling or tenderness beneath the metatarsal heads

• Discomfort that worsens with activity or tight shoes

Clinical exam and imaging (X-ray, sometimes MRI) help identify the underlying cause, such as stress fractures or joint abnormalities.

• Non-surgical:  Shoe modifications, padding, orthotics, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory therapy.

• Surgical/minimally invasive:  Rarely, metatarsal shortening, osteotomy, or soft tissue procedures may be performed to relieve persistent pain.

Symptoms often improve within 6–8 weeks with conservative care. Surgical recovery varies depending on the procedure but generally takes 8–12 weeks.