Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Freiberg Disease
Freiberg disease, also called juvenile osteochondrosis of the metatarsus, is a condition that affects children and adolescents, causing pain and discomfort in the front of the foot. It occurs when the blood supply to the metatarsal bone, most often the second metatarsal, is disrupted. This leads to abnormal bone development, inflammation, and damage to the joint cartilage.
Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area, as well as difficulty walking or participating in physical activity. In some cases, the front of the foot may appear misaligned. Without proper treatment, Freiberg disease can worsen and result in chronic pain or mobility limitations.
Diagnosis is typically made through a physical exam, a review of medical history, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI.
Treatment may include rest, immobilization, physical therapy, orthotics, or in more severe cases, surgery to repair the damaged bone. Early diagnosis and proper management are important to reduce symptoms and prevent long-term complications.
