Metatarsalgia (MTG) (synonyms: Foot pain; metatarsalgia; metatarsalgia; splayfoot pain; forefoot pain; ICD-10-GM M77.4: metatarsalgia) describes stress pain in the metatarsal region – especially under the heads of the metatarsals. The 2nd to 4th rays (toes and associated metatarsals) are affected. The pain can thus extend in the plantar (“belonging to the sole of the foot”) forefoot to the toes.
The condition is classified as “Other enthesopathies (inflammatory disorders of tendons, tendon attachments to bone, bursae, and joint capsules).”
Metatarsalgia is classified into the following forms:
- Primary metatarsalgia – the cause is localized to the metatarsus.
- Secondary metatarsalgia – occurs as a result of systemic diseases such as rheumatism, hyperuricemia (increased uric acid) or gout, as well as arterial circulatory disorders
Sex ratio: women suffer more often from metatarsalgia than men.
The prevalence (disease frequency) varies depending on the cause. For example, the estimated prevalence for metatarsalgia caused by a stress fracture (fatigue fracture; fatigue fracture) in athletes is 5-30%.The global prevalence for hallux valgus deformity is 23% in 18- to 65-year-olds and 35% in those over 65.
Course and prognosis: Treatment depends on the severity of metatarsalgia and the underlying cause. Initially, metatarsalgia is treated conservatively with the goal of achieving an even distribution of pressure, e.g., by wearing special insoles. If left untreated, there may be a substantial loss of function of the foot.
