Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

honeypot link

Freiberg Disease

(Freiberg Infraction)

By

Kendrick Alan Whitney

, DPM, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine

Reviewed/Revised Oct 2021 | Modified Sep 2022
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
Topic Resources

Freiberg disease is death of the tissue (necrosis) of parts of the bones in the ball of the foot, usually next to the big toe (the second metatarsal head).

Freiberg disease is a common cause of pain in the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia Pain in the Ball of the Foot (Metatarsalgia) Pain in the ball of the foot is called metatarsalgia and may have many different causes (including arthritis, poor circulation, pinching of the nerves between the toes, posture problems, and... read more ). The cause is injury to the bone. This disorder usually occurs in girls who are going through puberty and who are growing rapidly or in people in whom the bone connected to the base of the big toe (the first metatarsal bone) is short or the second metatarsal bone is long. In both cases, the second metatarsal head can be subjected to repeated stresses such as during dancing, jogging, or running.

Symptoms of Freiberg Disease

In people with Freiberg disease, pain is usually worse when bearing weight, particularly when pushing off of the foot, or when wearing high-heeled shoes. The joint may be swollen and stiff.

Diagnosis of Freiberg Disease

  • X-rays

Doctors do x-rays to confirm the diagnosis of Freiberg disease.

Treatment of Freiberg Disease

  • Corticosteroid injections

  • Footwear changes or orthoses

  • Rarely surgery

To relieve painful flare-ups of Freiberg disease, doctors may inject corticosteroids and tell people to rest and keep weight off their foot.

Low-heeled shoes, possibly those that have thicker soles than normal and rounded heels (called rocker sole modifications), or inserts or other devices placed in the shoe that change the position or range of movement of the foot to relieve pressure on the affected joints or painful areas (orthoses) are helpful.

Rarely, doctors may surgically remove the second metatarsal bone to relieve pain that is difficult to manage.

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
quiz link

Test your knowledge

Take a Quiz!
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
TOP