Question: what causes 2nd and 3rd toes to separate?
Answer: The irritation of the MTP joint is due to repetitive overload and can lead to swelling of the joint itself (Capsulitis or MTPJ Synovitis). The second and third toes may separate in metatarsalgia and patients will either have pain at the bottom and/or top of the ball of the foot (base of the toes).