J Korean Foot Ankle Soc.  2017 Sep;21(3):79-82. 10.14193/jkfas.2017.21.3.79.

Cause of Metatarsalgia

• Gwak HC
• Ha DJ

• KMID: 2389935
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14193/jkfas.2017.21.3.79

Abstract

Metatarsalgia is one of the most common causes of patients complaining of pain in their feet. This pain is the plantar forefoot, including the second to fourth metatarsal heads and arises from either mechanical or iatrogenic causes. On the other hand, it is frequently accompanied by a deformity of the toes as well as of the first and fifth rays. The pain has a variety of causes, and sometimes the cause is difficult to distinguish. The variability of possible causative factors necessitates an individualized approach to treatment. To determine these causes, this paper presents an overview of the gait mechanics, plantar pressure, and the classification according to the etiology.

Keyword

Metatarsalgia; Forefoot

MeSH Terms

Classification
Congenital Abnormalities
Foot
Gait
Hand
Head
Humans
Mechanics
Metatarsal Bones
Metatarsalgia*
Toes

Figure

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  Figure 1 Event of three rocker phases of walking. The heel acts as the first rocker, beginning with initial heel strike. In the second rocker, the entire foot normally remains in contact with the ground. During the third rocker only the forefoot is in contact with the ground.

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  Figure 2 An elevated first metatarsus pushes the whole load of the second rocker onto the second metatarsus, resulting in isolated keratosis underneath the second metatarsal head.

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  Figure 3 This photo shows Morton's neuroma between 3rd~4th metatarsal heads.

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  Figure 4 This photo shows benign tumor underneath the second metatarsal head.

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