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Quantitative determination of intermetatarsal pressure
1University Orthopaedics, Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois.
Foot & Ankle
|November 11, 1992
Summary
Forefoot pain, common in metatarsalgia and neuromas, increases with weight-bearing activities. Rising intermetatarsal pressures during standing and toe-stance activities correlate with these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
- Podiatry
Background:
- Plantar pain near the metatarsophalangeal joints is common.
- Causes include metatarsalgia, fat pad atrophy, and interdigital neuroma.
- Forefoot pressure may aggravate these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure intermetatarsal pressure under various conditions.
- To assess the relationship between forefoot pressure and common pain conditions.
Main Methods:
- Eleven asymptomatic volunteers participated.
- Intermetatarsal pressure in the third interspace was measured.
- Pressures were recorded during non-weightbearing, metatarsal head compression, weightbearing, and toe stance.
Main Results:
- Weightbearing (29 mm Hg) and toe stance (36 mm Hg) significantly increased intermetatarsal pressure compared to non-weightbearing (21 mm Hg).
- Transitioning from weightbearing to toe stance also significantly increased pressure (P = .0005).
- Increased forefoot pressure correlates with elevated intermetatarsal pressures.
Conclusions:
- Elevated forefoot pressures transmit to the intermetatarsal space.
- Increased intermetatarsal pressure may cause or worsen metatarsalgia, fat pad atrophy, and Morton's neuroma.