What is it?
Intermetatarsal bursa are small fluid filled sacs that are located between the interossei muscles and metatarsal bones of the foot. Their main role is to act as a lubricant while the small muscles glide over the bone during movement. Due to the high workload of the foot, inter-metatarsal Bursa can occasionally become inflamed, hence the term; Intermetatarsal Bursitis. Common symptoms include pain while standing on toes, fore-foot (ball of foot) tenderness during rest and motion, as well as visible fore-foot swelling, burning sensations.
Why did I get it?
Inter-metatarsal Bursitis can be caused by many factors & is most commonly seen in the active middle-aged population (women > men). Most patients with the condition can often present with many of the following risk factors;
High-arched feet
Collapsed transverse arch
Poor/tight footwear/high heels
Poor alignment of biomechanics
Diminished cushioning of the feet.
Feet that roll in
How is it diagnosed?
A thorough history and clinical examination will generally be sufficient for the diagnosis of Inter-metatarsal Bursitis. You will more than likely be referred for an ultrasound for confirmation/ to rule out further pathology.
Symptoms:
some pain,
swelling,
tenderness,
redness, and
warmth around the inflicted area
Possible treatments:
Rest & Ice
Padding/strapping
Custom Orthotics
Footwear advice
Biomechanical correction
Corticosteroid injections
Prognosis:
Providing patient compliance, most patients respond well to conservative treatment options. Corticosteroid injections are often used as the last resort for non-responsive cases, however, can produce successful outcomes.