Forefoot Protocol

In this lesson, I present my forefoot scanning protocol, organized into dorsal and plantar components. From the dorsal approach, I evaluate the lesser MTP joints, assess the metatarsal bones when a stress fracture is suspected, and examine the metatarsal interspaces. From the plantar approach, I focus on the plantar plates, metatarsal interspaces, and plantar fat pad. Assessing the interspaces from both the dorsal and plantar approaches is important for the comprehensive evaluation of interdigital neuromas and intermetatarsal bursopathy. In my experience, this systematic approach identifies the underlying etiology of lesser metatarsalgia in the majority of cases.