musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Metatarsophalangeal Joint Pain
Key Points
Metatarsophalangeal joint pain most often results from misalignment of joint surfaces, causing synovial impingement with only minimal warmth and swelling, but may be the initial manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. Patients have dorsal and plantar joint tenderness with usually minimal signs of acute inflammation. Diagnose metatarsophalangeal joint pain by the absence of burning, numbness, tingling, and interspace pain (suggesting interdigital nerve pain) and by palpation. Correct foot biomechanics with orthoses. Treat underlying systemic rheumatic disease (eg, rheumatoid arthritis), if present. 