Third Metatarsal

The third metatarsal is the middle toe's forefoot bone, sharing with the second the role of the forefoot's fixed central pillar. Its head is a common site of overload pain (metatarsalgia) and, like its neighbours, it can develop stress fractures under repetitive load, especially when footwear or training changes suddenly.

Key facts

It forms the central ray of the forefoot.
It is firmly based on the lateral cuneiform.
Its head shares push-off load with the second and fourth.
Stress fractures here are classic overuse injuries.
The interosseous muscles attach along its shaft.

What can go wrong

Third metatarsal problems are usually overuse: stress reactions and fractures in runners, or overload pain under the head when the arch's mechanics change. A Morton's neuroma — an irritated nerve between the third and fourth metatarsal heads — causes a different, burning forefoot pain with tingling into the toes.

Related procedures & tests

X-ray (general)

Related symptoms

Related muscles

Dorsal Interossei (Foot)

Frequently asked questions

What is metatarsalgia?

A general term for pain under the ball of the foot at the metatarsal heads. It describes a symptom rather than a diagnosis — causes range from overload and arthritis to nerve irritation.

How are metatarsal stress fractures found?

Early X-rays are often normal; the history of activity-related forefoot pain is the main clue, and MRI or bone scans show the injury if confirmation is needed.

Educational information only. This atlas explains normal anatomy and describes conditions in general terms; it is not medical advice and does not replace assessment by a qualified clinician. If you have symptoms that worry you, seek medical care.