Pain in the forefoot is a very common complaint that many people suffer from. There are numerous diseases that can be the cause of forefoot pain. They are often the result of degenerative changes in the foot, although there are also diseases of other causes.
Pain due to incorrect loading
Many people suffer from forefoot pain in the evening after long walks or standing. This is often due to poor footwear that forces the foot into an unnatural position. The shape of the shoes often depends on fashion aspects and does not take into account the needs of the feet.
Especially elegant shoes, as they are worn in this country, are usually too narrow at the front, so that the toes are constricted. The sole is also often not adapted to the arch of the foot. In most people, the foot muscles are also not sufficiently developed, among other things, this insufficiency of the muscles exists, because too little barefoot is walked. If there is pain in the forefoot after exertion, it is often helpful to wear shoes that allow a more natural position of the foot. Insoles that are individually designed for the needs of each foot can provide additional support for the foot and thus prevent forefoot pain.
Degenerative diseases
Arthrosis: The foot consists of many bones that are connected to each other by joints. As with all joints in the body, wear and tear occurs more frequently with advancing age. Although this does not necessarily lead to discomfort, it can also lead to inflammatory pain in the form of arthrosis.
If arthrosis has occurred in the foot, it can cause pain in the forefoot, which increases under stress. The complaints are aggravated if tight or high shoes are worn, as these put additional strain on the foot. Comfortable shoes that give the foot enough room and insoles can alleviate the complaints.
In addition, anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation. Hammer toe (hallux valgus): Hammer toes, medically known as hallux valgus, mainly affect women. This is caused by shoes that taper to the front and heels.
If such shoes are worn regularly, the characteristic deformity of the hammer toe develops over time. The big toe takes up a position pointing outwards, while the first metatarsal points inwards. The forefoot widens additionally.
In addition to pain in the forefoot, there are inflammatory pressure points on the inside of the foot, which are very painful, especially when wearing tight and high shoes. If a pronounced hallux valgus has formed, the only possible treatment is an operation to correct the malposition. Symptomatically, foot pads can be used, and comfortable shoes that are gentle on the feet should also be worn.
Morton’s neuralgia is characterized by strong, sudden shooting pain in the area of the forefoot. It is also called Morton’s metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma or Morton’s syndrome. The reason for the pain is thickening of the nerves that run along the metatarsals to the toes.
These thickenings are caused by increased pressure load, which is caused, for example, by a malposition, usually a splayfoot. When examining the affected foot, a pressure pain can be induced over such a thickening. Several nerve thickenings can also exist on one foot.
If Morton’s neuralgia is suspected after examination of the foot, the diagnosis is confirmed by an ultrasound or MRT image. Therapeutically, we try to relieve the affected areas with insoles so that there is no pressure on the nerves. Furthermore, a correction of the foot malposition can help to combat the pain. If these measures do not take effect, there is also the possibility of removing the thickened nerves surgically.
