Freiberg’s Disease Treatment
in Novi, Southfield, Howell, and Livonia, MI

Freiberg’s disease can cause persistent forefoot pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking, making everyday activities challenging and uncomfortable. Patients often seek treatment when conservative measures like rest, orthotics, or anti-inflammatory therapies fail to relieve symptoms or prevent progression of the condition. Our team at Foot HealthCare Associates specializes in diagnosing and treating Freiberg’s disease, providing targeted solutions to reduce pain, restore mobility, and protect the long-term health of your foot.

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Table Of Contents

What Is Freiberg’s Disease?

Freiberg’s disease is a condition that affects the metatarsal bones in the forefoot, most commonly the second metatarsal, leading to pain, inflammation, and joint damage. It usually begins as a pain in the ball of a child’s foot; its onset is often linked to an injury to the growth plate of one of the long bones behind the toes called metatarsals. This disorder is most frequently seen in adolescents aged 13 to 15. It is three times as likely to occur in females as compared to males. The pain results from a loss of blood flow to the growth plate in the bone.

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Treatments for Freiberg's Disease

Treatment consists of reducing pressure under the affected bone. This may include anything from using crutches to a custom insole for the shoe, called an orthotic.

Immobilization is often one of the first treatment options for Freiberg’s disease, especially in the early stages. By limiting movement of the affected foot with a walking boot or cast, pressure on the metatarsal joint is reduced, allowing inflammation to calm and the bone to heal. This approach can help relieve pain and prevent further joint damage.

Crutches may be recommended to temporarily reduce or eliminate weight-bearing on the affected foot. Taking pressure off the forefoot helps decrease pain and limits stress on the damaged metatarsal, giving the condition time to improve. Crutches are often used alongside immobilization or during periods of increased symptoms.
Custom orthotics are designed to support proper foot alignment and redistribute pressure away from the affected metatarsal. By improving weight distribution during walking and standing, orthotics can reduce pain, slow disease progression, and enhance overall comfort. They are commonly used as part of long-term management for Freiberg’s disease.
Physical therapy focuses on improving foot strength, flexibility, and joint mobility while reducing pain and stiffness. Targeted exercises and stretching techniques can help restore function and support proper movement patterns. Therapy may also include modalities to decrease inflammation and prevent future flare-ups.
Surgical treatments may be considered when conservative options fail to relieve symptoms or when the condition has significantly progressed. Procedures are tailored to the severity of the disease and may involve repairing, reshaping, or stabilizing the affected joint. The goal of surgery is to reduce pain, restore function, and preserve long-term joint health.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

During your appointment, the visit begins with a thorough discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and daily activities that may be contributing to foot pain. A physical examination of the affected foot helps identify tenderness, swelling, and movement limitations in specific areas that may be causing discomfort.
To gain a clearer understanding of the condition, diagnostic imaging may be recommended. This can include X-rays or advanced studies, such as computed tomography, which allows for a detailed view of bone structure and joint changes that are not always visible with standard imaging.
Once the evaluation and imaging are complete, your provider will explain the diagnosis in clear terms and discuss appropriate treatment options. The goal at this stage is to create a personalized plan that addresses pain, supports healing, and helps ensure the best possible outcome based on your individual needs.
Your appointment will also include guidance on next steps, recovery expectations, and preventive care. Follow-up visits may be scheduled to monitor progress, adjust treatment as needed, and watch for potential complications such as infection during the healing process.

Treatment Duration

Treatment duration for Freiberg’s disease varies depending on the severity of the condition and the type of care required, but many patients begin to notice improvement within 6 to 8 weeks of conservative treatment. Immobilization, activity modification, and orthotics are often used during this period to reduce stress on the affected joint and support healing. Physical therapy may extend treatment to 8–12 weeks to restore strength and mobility. In more advanced cases requiring surgery, recovery can take several months, with a gradual return to normal activities over 3 to 6 months. Throughout treatment, consistent follow-up care helps track progress and supports long-term foot health.

Candidates for Freiberg’s Disease Treatment

Candidates for Freiberg’s disease treatment can vary by age, as symptoms and progression often differ between groups.

  • Adolescents and teenagers commonly seek care due to forefoot pain and swelling related to growth changes or increased athletic activity, and early treatment can help prevent long-term joint damage.

  • Young adults may pursue treatment when repetitive stress leads to worsening pain, stiffness, or stress fractures that interfere with work, sports, or daily movement.

  • Older adults often become candidates when chronic symptoms reduce foot function or when joint degeneration progresses, making walking uncomfortable and limiting mobility.

Across all age groups, timely treatment is important for relieving pain and maintaining healthy foot mechanics.

Benefits of Freiberg’s Disease Treatment

  • Reduces forefoot pain and discomfort during walking and daily activities
  • Decreases swelling and inflammation in the affected joint
  • Helps prevent the progression of bone damage and joint deterioration
  • Supports proper foot alignment and weight distribution
  • Lowers the risk of long-term complications or chronic pain

Cost of Freiberg’s Disease Treatment in Michigan

The cost of Freiberg’s disease treatment in Michigan typically ranges from approximately $200 to $2,500 or more, depending on the extent of care needed and whether advanced imaging, custom orthotics, physical therapy, or surgical intervention is involved. Initial consultations and basic conservative treatments, such as immobilization and orthotics, tend to fall at the lower end of the range, while surgical procedures and comprehensive rehabilitation can increase overall expenses.

Insurance coverage, provider fees, and specific facility pricing all influence the final cost, so discussing financial expectations and payment options with your care team can help ensure clarity and confidence in your treatment plan.
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Restore Your Foot Health at Our Clinic

Restoring comfort and mobility starts with a patient-centered approach built on proven methods and compassionate care. With extensive expertise in treating complex forefoot conditions, our team focuses on accurate diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, and long-term results. Every visit is designed to improve your experience, from evaluation through recovery, using advanced techniques and personalized support. When considering Freiberg’s disease treatment, Novi residents and patients from surrounding communities can feel confident knowing their treatment plan is guided by clinical skill, attention to detail, and a commitment to helping each patient regain confidence in their foot health – starting with the first appointment and continuing through every stage of care, including proper follow-up treatments.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, Freiberg’s disease can sometimes contribute to other foot problems if left untreated. Altered walking patterns and forefoot pressure can strain the soft tissues, leading to conditions such as plantar fasciitis. In some cases, the way the foot compensates for pain may also affect the big toe or increase pressure on surrounding areas, potentially worsening ingrown toenails. Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent these secondary complications and protect the foot’s overall health and function.

Improvement timelines vary depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment used. Many patients notice reduced pain and swelling within 6 to 8 weeks of conservative care, such as immobilization, orthotics, or physical therapy. In cases requiring surgical intervention, noticeable relief and restored function may take several months, with gradual progress as the foot heals. Consistent follow-up care and adherence to your treatment plan help ensure the best results.
Yes, several adjustments can help reduce stress on the affected foot and support healing. Wearing supportive footwear or custom orthotics, avoiding high-impact activities, and limiting prolonged standing or walking can all decrease pressure on the forefoot. Maintaining a healthy weight and gradually reintroducing activity under the guidance of a foot care professional can also protect joint function and reduce flare-ups.Yes, Amniotic Fluid Therapy can often be combined with other regenerative treatments or supportive therapies to optimize results. When considering Amniotic Fluid Therapy, Novi residents and patients in surrounding areas may also benefit from further treatment options, such as PRP injections, physical therapy, or orthotics. These combined approaches can help enhance healing in soft tissues, tendons, and even bones, providing a more comprehensive solution to chronic foot and ankle pain.