Freiberg’s disease is a condition of the metatarsal heads in the foot (most commonly the second) in which there is some sort of disruption in blood supply to the bone and an avascular necrosis occurs resulting in pain and a flattened appearance of the metatarsal head on x-ray.
The exact cause of Freiberg’s diseases is not clear, but it is mostly likely an overuse type problem where repeated trauma to the metatarsal head that somehow disrupts the blood supply. This leads to the avascular necrosis and further small fractures that are seen on x-ray.
Taking part in a lot of sport, wearing shoes with a higher heel and a longer second metatarsal bone are considered risk factors for Freiberg disease.
