You have probably heard of the term dislocation in reference to a finger or a major joint such as the knee, hip or shoulder.
Most of the time a dislocation occurs because of an injury. The pain can be quite intense.
Actual Patient of Dr. Haro
Often, the joint can be re-located back to its original position without the need for surgery.
An injury of the foot or ankle can also lead to a dislocation.
However, there is a unique syndrome involving the 2nd toe (next to the big toe) that can become a dislocation without an injury.
It is called Pre-Dislocation Syndrome.
Pre-dislocation means just before the joint dislocates out of position.
The part of the foot where this condition occurs is where the 2nd toe meets the foot.
Most people will complain of pain on the ball of the foot near the 2nd toe.
Sometimes the 2nd toe can become curled, raised or even significantly deformed.
It can even overlap the big toe. Other times a person will present with pain but the toes will look perfectly normal.
The most common symptom associated with Pre-Dislocation Syndrome is the feeling like you are stepping on something raised on the ball of the foot.
It can feel like a marble or a ball. It feels like the sock is bunched up but it isn’t.
The pain is most pronounced when walking around barefoot.
For reasons unbeknownst to us, women over 40 years of age are most prone to this condition.
Logically it would seem like women’s shoes would be a factor but it isn’t the case.
There are certain foot types that are more prone to Pre-Dislocation Syndrome.
People with flatter arches or flat feet are the most prone.
What is mission critical about this condition is having it diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
If there is pain but no deformity of the 2nd toe, the chance of preventing a dislocation and ultimately surgery to repair it is much greater.
Even if there isn’t pain, a 2nd toe that curls or separates from the 3rd toe should be looked at.
Ignoring the pain on the ball of the foot or mal-position of the 2nd toe can lead to a ligament tear that usually requires surgery.
If you are experiencing pain on the ball of the foot, feel like you have something raised in this area or your 2nd toe alignment looks out of the ordinary, don’t wait to have it assessed.
Preventing Pre-Dislocation Syndrome from turning into a full-blown dislocation will avoid keeping you immobile for an extended period of time.
To Healthy Feet,
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