Friberg's Infraction

Friberg’s infraction, also known as Friberg’s disease, is a condition that affects the second toe, characterised by a
stress-related injury to the metatarsal head. It typically occurs in adolescents and young adults and is associated
with repetitive stress on the toe joint, often due to high-impact activities or sports.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

What causes it?

Friberg’s infraction can result from:

Repetitive Stress

Activities like running, jumping, or dancing that place continuous strain on the second toe.

Foot Structure

Abnormalities such as flat feet or bunions can contribute to increased pressure on the metatarsal head.

Improper Footwear

Wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes may exacerbate the condition.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves:

How is it Treated?

Treatment options typically include:

Rest

Reducing or avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms.

Ice

Applying ice to reduce pain and swelling.

Footwear Modifications

Wearing supportive shoes with adequate space for the toes.

Orthotics

Custom insoles to help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot.

Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief.

Physical Therapy

Exercises to strengthen the foot and improve flexibility.

Recovery

With appropriate treatment, most individuals recover within a few weeks to months. If symptoms persist or worsen, further
evaluation by a healthcare professional may be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Friberg’s infraction:

What is Friberg's infraction?

Friberg’s infraction, also known as Friberg’s disease, is a stress-related injury affecting the second toe, characterised by pain and inflammation around the metatarsal head.
It typically results from repetitive stress on the toe joint, often due to activities like running, jumping, or dancing, and can be influenced by foot structure or improper footwear.
Common symptoms include localised pain in the ball of the foot, swelling around the second metatarsophalangeal joint, discomfort during weight-bearing activities, and possible deformity of the toe.
Diagnosis involves a medical history review, physical examination of the foot, and imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs to confirm the injury and assess its severity.
Treatment options typically include rest, ice application, footwear modifications, orthotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and physical therapy.
Preventive measures include wearing well-fitted shoes, avoiding excessive high-impact activities without proper conditioning, and addressing foot structure issues with orthotics.
Surgery is usually not required. Most cases respond well to conservative treatments, but in persistent cases, further evaluation may be necessary.
Recovery time can vary but often takes a few weeks to months, depending on the severity of the injury and adherence to treatment.
If untreated, it may lead to chronic pain or altered foot mechanics. However, most individuals recover fully with appropriate treatment.
Consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty walking that does not improve with rest and home care.

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