What is the difference between a stress fracture on the metatarsal and one on the metatarsalgia?

Good question: A stress fracture is a nondisplaced fracture of the bone that occurs after repeated microtrauma. It may be hard to see on standard x-rays. Metatarsalgia is a fairly nonspecific term that refers to pain underneath the metatarsal heads where the toes meet the foot. There can be multiple causes for both of these see a orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon. www.orthodoc.aaos.org/footankle.

Metatarsal pain: Metatarsal pain can be caused by stress fractures. The term metatarsalgia just means inflammation of the metatarsals. You need x-rays and to be evaluated by your podiatrist.

Stress fracture: Stress fracture is a term from ww 2 . Men were inducted , sent on forced marches with heavy packs and having pain. X rays were negative until 2-3 weeks went by and healing line seen . That was the fracture line. These became known as stress fractures as other doctors learned of this . Metatarsalgia is a catch all term for forefoot pain at the met head area for many reasons.

See details: A stress fracture is a fracture. Metatarsalgia is secondary to a nerve compression.