One of the most common causes related to wearing improper footwear that can force the ball of the foot into a small space, increasing pressure on the area and causing pain or discomfort. Other factors involved include:

• Intense training or activity. Distance runners are at risk of metatarsalgia, primarily because the front of the foot absorbs significant force when a person runs. But anyone who participates in a high-impact sport is at risk, especially if your shoes fit poorly or are worn.
• Certain foot structure – A high arch can put extra pressure on the metatarsals
• Improper shoes and low support – Wearing too-small shoes with a narrow toe box or athletic shoes that lack support and padding or high heels that transfer extra weight to the front of your foot may lead to Metatarsalgia
• Stress fractures. Small breaks in the metatarsals or toe bones can be painful and change the way you put weight on your foot.
• Morton’s neuroma – This noncancerous growth of fibrous tissue around a nerve usually occurs between the third and fourth metatarsal heads. It causes symptoms that are similar to metatarsalgia and can also contribute to metatarsal stress.
• Ligament injuries and joint irritation
• An individual with foot problems, including hammertoe and calluses or Having inflammatory arthritis can be in high risk for Metatarsalgia