Freiberg’s disease (also known as Freiberg infraction) is a condition that affects the head of the metatarsal bone—most commonly the second toe—leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the forefoot. It is often seen in adolescents and young adults but can affect people of any age.
At Mumbai Foot Ankle Clinic, we provide accurate diagnosis and stage-based treatment to relieve pain, preserve joint function, and restore comfortable walking.
Freiberg’s disease occurs when there is reduced blood supply to the metatarsal head, causing the bone and cartilage to weaken and collapse over time. This leads to joint damage and pain in the ball of the foot, especially during walking or standing.
Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in preventing long-term joint damage.
Pain in the ball of the foot (usually near the second toe)
Swelling or tenderness over the affected joint
Pain that worsens with walking or sports
Stiffness or reduced toe movement
Feeling of walking on a hard object
Difficulty wearing footwear
Repetitive stress or overuse of the forefoot
Long second toe or abnormal foot mechanics
High-impact activities
Tight or poorly cushioned footwear
Trauma to the forefoot
Growth-related bone changes
Understanding the cause helps guide effective treatment.
Our foot and ankle specialists diagnose Freiberg’s disease through:
Detailed clinical examination
Gait and foot alignment assessment
X-rays to identify bone changes
MRI scans to assess cartilage damage and disease stage
This allows precise staging and personalized care planning.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Effective in early stages:
Activity modification and rest
Custom orthotics to offload pressure
Footwear modification with cushioned soles
Anti-inflammatory medications
Physiotherapy to maintain joint mobility
Surgical Treatment
Recommended for advanced or painful cases:
Joint-preserving surgical procedures
Realignment or decompression of the metatarsal head
Removal of damaged bone fragments
Restoration of joint function and pain relief
Surgical treatment is chosen carefully based on disease stage and patient activity level.
Dedicated Foot & Ankle Specialists
Expertise in forefoot and joint conditions
Accurate diagnosis with advanced imaging
Stage-based non-surgical and surgical care
Personalized rehabilitation and follow-up
Ethical, patient-first approach
Early-stage disease often improves with conservative care
Surgical recovery includes gradual return to weight-bearing
Long-term outcomes are better with early intervention and proper footwear
Our team supports you throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Consult a foot and ankle specialist if:
Forefoot pain persists or worsens
Pain affects walking or sports
Swelling or stiffness limits toe movement
Home remedies do not provide relief
Early evaluation helps protect the joint and prevent progression.
If you are experiencing persistent ball-of-foot pain, consult the experts at Mumbai Foot Ankle Clinic for advanced Freiberg’s disease treatment.
Mumbai Foot Ankle Clinic is a specialized center providing expert diagnosis, advanced treatment, and compassionate care for all foot and ankle conditions. Our goal is to help every patient walk comfortably and live pain-free.
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