Sometimes, this may be accomplished by using a metatarsal pad in the shoe; other times, a cast may be necessary for up to 6 to 12 weeks. When symptoms resolve, activities may be gradually increased.

A: Freiberg's disease (AKA Freiberg's infarction) is a breakdown of the head of a metatarsal (the metatarsal heads are the ball of the foot) in young athletes. This is similar to a stress fracture ...