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Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joint Instability: Nonsurgical Treatment Alternatives.
1Division of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, 2098 South Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA.
Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
|May 28, 2026
Summary
Nonsurgical treatments for lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint instability aim to reduce forefoot pressure and stabilize the MTP joints. While Achilles stretching and metatarsal offloading can ease pain, crossover taping and strapping offer joint stabilization.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint instability is a common cause of ambulation pain.
- Nonsurgical interventions focus on offloading metatarsal heads and stabilizing MTP joints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of various nonsurgical treatments for lesser MTP joint instability.
- To differentiate between pain relief and joint stabilization effects of different interventions.
Main Methods:
- Review of nonsurgical treatment modalities for MTP joint instability.
- Analysis of biomechanical effects of Achilles stretching, metatarsal offloading, crossover taping, and steroid injections.
Main Results:
- Achilles stretching decreases forefoot pressure during ambulation.
- Metatarsal offloading alleviates plantar metatarsal head pain but does not stabilize MTP joints.
- Crossover taping and strapping effectively stabilize MTP joints and resist hyperdorsiflexion.
- Steroid injections reduce inflammation but may weaken stabilizing structures.
Conclusions:
- A combination of treatments may be necessary for comprehensive management of MTP joint instability.
- Crossover taping and strapping are key for stabilizing the MTP joint.
- Careful consideration of steroid injection risks is warranted due to potential ligamentous attenuation.
