Forefoot pain associated with muscle strain in the lower extremity

A case of forefoot pain at the first metatarsophalangeal joint is discussed. Local treatment with ultrasound failed to bring significant relief. However, dramatic and lasting relief occurred when treatment was applied to the muscle belly of the extensor hallucis longus. The patient also suffered from hallux valgus with mild foot pronation. Two years after therapy, the patient stated she had not experienced any foot pain since the last treatment, and she continued to wear the prescribed flexible foot orthotics on a daily basis.