Forefoot disorders:

Causes, symptoms and treatment

Forefoot disorders can be caused by excessive strain, misalignment or degenerative changes. Common symptoms include metatarsalgia, which is painful strain on the metatarsal bones, and Morton's neuroma, which is inflammation of the nerves between the toes. Forefoot osteoarthritis, caused by wear and tear on the joints, and deformities such as hallux valgus or hammer toes are also typical problems. These conditions often lead to pain, calluses and limitations in everyday life.

Surgical treatment of forefoot disorders

At our surgical practice, move ahead, we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options for the targeted treatment of forefoot problems. After a thorough diagnosis, which includes a clinical examination and imaging procedures, an individual treatment plan is drawn up.

Conservative measures such as customised shoe insoles or drug therapies can form the basis of a successful treatment concept. Orthopaedic shoes and targeted foot exercises contribute significantly to pain relief and stabilisation of the forefoot.

If forefoot problems persist, surgical correction may be necessary. Frequently performed procedures include:

Weil osteotomy:
A standard procedure in metatarsalgia surgery, involving targeted shortening of the metatarsal bone to relieve pressure pain and harmonise the forefoot architecture.
Lapidus arthrodesis:
Used for severe deformities in hallux valgus surgery, this procedure stabilises the first tarsometatarsal joint by joint fusion, improving long-term alignment and load transfer.
Scarf osteotomy:
A commonly used technique in advanced hallux valgus surgery, involving a Z-shaped osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone to correct deformity while preserving joint mobility.
Basal realignment osteotomy:
if TMT-1 stability is preserved and there is a pronounced hallux valgus deformity, a pronounced deformity can be corrected while preserving the joints.
Reverdin realignment osteotomy:
this surgical technique is used to shorten and anatomically align and correct the joint surface angle.
Chevron osteotomy:
Used for mild to moderate deformities in bunion surgery, involving a V-shaped cut to realign the first metatarsal bone.
Akin osteotomy:
Often performed in combination with other procedures during hallux valgus surgery, correcting residual misalignment of the big toe. In addition to bunion correction, we also perform hammer toe correction and claw toe correction, aiming to restore toe alignment, relieve pain, and improve footwear comfort.

These forefoot surgeries aim to correct misalignments and relieve pain, with the choice of method depending on the specific diagnosis and individual needs of the patient.

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FAQs

What forefoot disorders does the practice treat?

We treat hallux valgus, metatarsalgia, hammer toe deformities, claw toes, and other forefoot disorders.

What are the most common causes of hallux valgus?

Causes often include genetic hindfoot deformities, incorrect weight distribution and unsuitable footwear.

What are the symptoms of forefoot disorders?

Typical symptoms include pain, swelling and restricted movement.

What treatment options are available?

Depending on severity, we offer conservative treatment as well as surgical options such as bunion surgery (hallux valgus surgery) or metatarsalgia surgery.

When is surgery necessary?

When conservative measures are not sufficient and severe symptoms are present, thus limiting quality of life.

Are there conservative treatment options?

Yes, e.g. shoe inserts, physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory medication.

How can I prevent forefoot disorders?

Make sure you wear suitable footwear and do regular foot exercises.