Diagnosis inflammation of the ball of the foot | Inflammation at the ball of the foot

Diagnosis inflammation of the ball of the foot

Like any examination, the diagnosis of inflammation in soccer starts with an anamnesis interview, followed by a physical examination. It is important for the doctor to know how the symptoms express themselves and how severe they are, at what time and in what situation they first appeared and how they have developed since then. During the physical examination, the examiner palpates the ball of the foot and especially the metatarsophalangeal joints of the toes and checks for swelling, pressure pain and overheating.

He will also carefully test the mobility. Afterwards, an X-ray of the foot is often taken, paying particular attention to the structures around the ball of the foot, in order to obtain indications of possible damage. Special blood tests can confirm suspected inflammation by means of so-called inflammation parameters, which include white blood cells (leukocytes), the C-reactive protein (CRP) and the blood sedimentation rate (BSR).

In rheumatoid arthritis there are often additional so-called rheumatoid factors and in gout increased uric acid levels in the blood can be detected. In order to localize the site of the inflammation and to get a better insight into the inside of the foot, a computer tomography or a magnetic resonance tomography can be performed. If these examinations are not sufficient for a diagnosis, tissue samples can be taken for further diagnostics.

Prognosis and prophylaxis

The prognosis depends on the type and cause of the inflammation. As long as the inflammation is in an acute stage and is treated appropriately in time, the chances of recovery are good.If the chronic stage has already been reached, for example in the context of rheumatoid arthritis, or if it is not possible to get the underlying disease under control, the probability of a complete recovery is reduced. A goal should be it then to minimize the complaints.

In order to prevent the development of an inflammation of the soccer, one should primarily pay attention to good footwear. The long and frequent wearing of high heels should be avoided. Apart from that, the general instructions for the prevention of an inflammation are valid, i.e. treatment of basic diseases that can trigger such an inflammation should be sought early, thorough cleaning and care of injuries and reduction of risk factors such as obesity.