Metatarsalgia—Morton’s Disease. Metatarsalgia is characterized by an acute pain, cramplike in character, occurring at the base of the third or fourth toes.
The pain comes on suddenly while the foot is in action, and is usually accompanied by a “snapping of the bones.” The pain is so acute that it is not uncommon for the patient to seek relief by taking off the shoe and rubbing the foot.
In persons suffering with this condition it will be regularly noticed that the weight is thrown upon the ball of the foot, on the metatarsophalangeal joints, either because of a weak foot, or because of a tendency of the toes to turn up.
Treatment. 1. Proper strapping to raise the arch and bring the ends of the toes down.
2. A pad across the ball of the foot behind the metatarsal heads, also brings the toes down.
3. Recommend shoes, wide across the ball, with a higher or lower heel than ordinary, as the case indicates.
Hallux Valgus. The term hallux valgus is applied to a deviation or displacement of the great toe outward, toward the outer border of the foot.
In normal feet, the line of the great toe when prolonged backward, should pass through the centre of the heel. This relation in civilized communities is seen only in the feet of infants. In adults it is observable only in the bare-footed races.
Cause. It is frequently associated with flat foot, gout and rheumatism, but it is primarily due to the use of inappropriate foot-gear. It is only considered pathologic when the deviation is more than fifteen degrees.