title: Metatarsalgia, lesser toe deformities, and associated disorders of the forefoot.
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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany Medical College, Capital Region Orthopaedics, 1367 Washington Avenue, Suite 200, Albany, NY 12206, USA. Electronic address: jamddipreta@netscape.net.
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: DiPreta
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D005530:Foot Deformities / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D061826:Foot Orthoses; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008349:Manipulation, Orthopedic / Q000379:methods*; D037061:Metatarsalgia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008683:Metatarsophalangeal Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D063189:Symptom Assessment / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones
keywords: Gastrocsoleus; Hammertoe; Metatarsalgia; Metatarsophalangeal joint instability; Morton neuroma