Metatarsal 3 (left) — third metatarsal (third toe)

Function

Central rigid ray of the forefoot, load-sharing with the second through strong interosseous ligaments.

Landmarks

• Base
• Shaft
• Head

Articulations (joints)

• Lateral cuneiform
• Adjacent metatarsals
• Proximal phalanx of the third toe (metatarsophalangeal joint)

Clinical relevance

Third-metatarsal stress fractures pair with the second in biomechanical overload — evaluate footwear and training load.