Freiberg's disease is a condition in which the bone tissue within the toe sitting next to the big toe--called the second metatarsal head--begins to die, explains the Merck Manual, an online medical encyclopedia for patients and caregivers. This disease is usually the result of a bone injury and occurs most frequently in adolescent girls. People who develop Freiberg's disease symptoms should seek additional care from a doctor as soon as possible.
Pain
The most common symptom associated with Freiberg's disease is foot pain. Sensations of pain can be mild to severe and typically localize to the tip of the second metatarsal or toe, explains Patient UK, a comprehensive medical website established by general practitioners in the United Kingdom. Certain activities, such as wearing high-heeled shoes or participating in physical activities, can exacerbate foot pain symptoms in patients with this condition. These painful sensations arise due to poor blood flow to the growth plate within the toe bone, reports PodiatryNetwork.com, an online resource for foot health information. People who experience persistent or chronic foot pain for any reason should seek additional care from a physician as this symptom of Freiberg's disease can also be a sign of a bone fracture.
Swelling
Patients with Freiberg's disease can experience mild to moderate swelling around the joint of the affected toe as a symptom of this condition, explains the Merck Manual. The skin surrounding the toe can appear red, enlarged or inflamed, and may be tender to the touch.
Stiffness
The toe joint can become unusually stiff as a symptom of Freiberg's disease, reports Patient UK. As a result, patients with this condition can have difficulty moving the affected toe normally. Stiffness within the toe is typically accompanied by swelling or sensations of pain or discomfort.
Limp
Foot discomfort can make it difficult for patients with Freiberg's disease to move about normally on the affected foot. As a result, patients with this condition may exhibit a limp while walking, report health professionals at the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a division of the Office of Rare Diseases Research at the National Institutes of Health. Depending upon symptom severity, a doctor may recommend the use of crutches to help allow the foot to fully rest and heal.
