There are various reasons for problems within the ball of the feet. A more uncommon reason could be a problem referred to as Freiberg’s disease or infarction. It is a condition in which the head of a metatarsal bone that is near the bottom of the toes within the front foot will become less strong and it has minuscule fractures. It most often occurs in the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal heads, however all metatarsal heads might be affected. It is believed to be resulting from recurrent overload to the metatarsals heads that create a local insufficient blood flow to the area. These metatarsal bones next become weaker and collapses. Freiberg’s disease principally happens in young athletes above approximately the age of twelve, and more commonly affects young females greater than young boys. The actual micro trauma appears to come from over stress and particularly in sports activities which entail lots of sprints, bouncing or pivoting on the ball of the foot. Wearing non supportive or poorly cushioned shoes may possibly give rise to underlying force upon the metatarsal heads.
The typical symptoms consist of increasing discomfort around the affected metatarsal bone. There is often a swelling and slight bruising about the affected region. The pain sensation might get worse with elevated weightbearing tasks. Usually you will have a reduced ability to move in the impacted toe joint together with discomfort existing with movements with the damaged toe joint. Having a limp to to relieve the pain in the damaged foot is furthermore a common finding. The diagnosis of Freibergs disease is made by a medical practitioner and is according to several features such as a full clinical assessment which should incorporate a biomechanical assessment and also a gait analysis. You will have a review of the full pain and discomfort background and health background review to eliminate any other reasons for the features. The joint range of flexibility will be assessed, along with a physical palpation of the area should be performed. The conclusive analysis is frequently completed by x-ray and this typically demonstrates a compression with the metatarsal bone, looking like a smashed egg shell with the more severe instances.
The treating of Freibergs disease starts off with rest as well as immobilisation with the area for around 6 weeks. This is required in the early period of treatment for it to allow the mini fracture in the bone to get better. The immobilisation can often be carried out with a moon boot or cam walker recommended by a health professional. Foot supports may well be used to reduce the painful symptoms of Freiberg’s disease. The goal of the foot supports will be to accomplish that through off loading the area and in addition with some re-aligning of the feet. They should be give support on the painful area and are typically prescribed after that initial period of immobilization. A steel or even carbon fibre plate also can often be utilized to make the shoe stiffer. This means that there will be less flexion or bending of the footwear with the forefoot and this also minimizes force on the area. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as motrin may be used for pain relief and also to reduce inflammation. If this doesn't help then a surgical restoration with the fracture site are usually necessary to repair the pain.