Forefoot pain

Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is a general term for pain at the forefoot generally underneath the foot in the area of the joints of the toes. It can be across all joints or on one single area of the forefoot. The pain is worsened when either in barefoot or in shoes with a slight heel, due to the lack of cushioning in appropriate shoes. In basic terms, metatarsalgia is caused by excessive point loading of an area, often due to an alignment or biomechanical issues. For more info on how to diagnose and treat metatarsalgia click here

Hallux valgus (bunions)

Hallux valgus is the term given to what is most commonly known as bunions. In this condition the big toe joint is often inflamed and painful. The big toe is deviated to varying degrees towards the 2nd toe with the 1st MTP joint more pronounced. There are a number of reasons for hallux valgus such as over pronation and biomechanical issues.

Footwear can also become problematic as wider footwear is needed to accomodate the "bunion".

Gor more information on how to diagnose manage and treat hallux valgus or bunions click here.

Hallux limitus and Hallux rigidus (also 1st toe arthriitis)

Hallux limitus is where there are issues with the motion of the 1st toe and it is reduced impacting on it's ability to move upwards (dorsiflex) when walking. The big toe has an extremely important function in walking to aid in stability and propulsion when pushing off from one foot to the next.

When the foot cannot do this either due to arthriitis or poor foot biomechanics compensatory movements take place. This is likely to cause secondary issues such as (click on these links to get more detail on each issue)

For more in depth information and how to diagnose and treat Hallux limitus and Hallux rigidus click here

Forefoot problems and metatarsalgia