Metatarsalgia, lesser toe deformities, and associated disorders of the forefoot

Med Clin North Am. 2014 Mar;98(2):233-51. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2013.10.003. Epub 2013 Dec 10.

Abstract

Forefoot pain in the adult often alters mobility and has a negative impact on quality of life. Metatarsalgia describes pain localized to the forefoot. Forefoot pain may be caused by conditions of the lesser toes themselves (eg, hammertoes, mallet toes, claw toes). The pathophysiology of lesser toe deformities is complex and is affected by the function of intrinsic and extrinsic muscle units. In addition to lesser toe and metatarsal abnormality, forefoot pain can be attributed to interdigital neuritis, disorders of the plantar skin, and gastrocsoleus contracture. Treatment of these conditions may include shoe modifications, appliances, therapeutic exercises, and surgical repair.

Keywords: Gastrocsoleus; Hammertoe; Metatarsalgia; Metatarsophalangeal joint instability; Morton neuroma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Disease Management
  • Female
  • Foot Deformities* / classification
  • Foot Deformities* / complications
  • Foot Deformities* / diagnosis
  • Foot Deformities* / physiopathology
  • Foot Deformities* / therapy
  • Foot Orthoses
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intra-Articular
  • Joint Instability / diagnosis
  • Joint Instability / etiology*
  • Joint Instability / therapy
  • Male
  • Manipulation, Orthopedic / methods*
  • Metatarsalgia* / diagnosis
  • Metatarsalgia* / etiology
  • Metatarsalgia* / physiopathology
  • Metatarsalgia* / therapy
  • Metatarsophalangeal Joint* / diagnostic imaging
  • Metatarsophalangeal Joint* / physiopathology
  • Metatarsophalangeal Joint* / surgery
  • Orthopedic Procedures / methods*
  • Radiography
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Symptom Assessment / methods

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones