ICD-10: M77.41

Metatarsalgia, specifically coded as ICD-10 M77.41 for the right foot, is characterized by pain and discomfort in the metatarsal region, which is the area of the foot that includes the five long bones between the toes and the midfoot. Here are the clinical presentations, signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics associated with this condition:

Clinical Presentation

• Pain Location: Patients typically report pain in the ball of the foot, which may be localized to one or more metatarsal heads.
• Pain Characteristics: The pain can be sharp, aching, or burning and may worsen with activity, particularly during walking or standing.

Signs and Symptoms

• Tenderness: There is often tenderness upon palpation of the affected metatarsal heads.
• Swelling: Some patients may experience mild swelling in the affected area.
• Numbness or Tingling: Patients may report sensations of numbness or tingling in the toes, particularly if there is nerve involvement.
• Altered Gait: Due to pain, patients may change their walking pattern, which can lead to further discomfort or complications.
• Positive Clinical Tests: Specific tests, such as the Royal London Hospital test, may yield positive findings indicating metatarsalgia.

Patient Characteristics

• Demographics: Metatarsalgia can affect individuals of all ages but is more common in middle-aged adults and older individuals.
• Activity Level: Patients who are physically active or engage in high-impact sports may be more susceptible to developing metatarsalgia.
• Foot Structure: Individuals with certain foot types, such as high arches or flat feet, may be at increased risk due to altered weight distribution.
• Footwear Choices: Wearing ill-fitting shoes or high heels can exacerbate symptoms and contribute to the development of metatarsalgia.

Additional Considerations

• Chronic Condition: Metatarsalgia can be a chronic condition, particularly if not addressed through appropriate footwear, orthotics, or other interventions.
• Associated Conditions: It may occur alongside other foot disorders, such as plantar fasciitis or neuromas, which can complicate the clinical picture.

Understanding these aspects of metatarsalgia can aid in diagnosis and management, ensuring that patients receive appropriate care tailored to their specific symptoms and characteristics.

The ICD-10 code M77.41, which refers to Metatarsalgia of the right foot, has several alternative names and related terms. These include:

• Metatarsalgia of right foot
• Right metatarsalgia
• Right-sided metatarsalgia

Additionally, this code falls under the broader category of soft tissue disorders, specifically classified as "Other soft tissue disorders" within the ICD-10 coding system [1][3][10].

These synonyms and classifications help in accurately identifying and coding the condition for medical records and billing purposes.

The diagnosis for ICD-10 code M77.41, which refers to Metatarsalgia of the right foot, is based on several criteria that help identify the condition. Here are the key points regarding the diagnostic criteria:

• Definition: Metatarsalgia is characterized by pain in the metatarsal region of the foot, which can result from various factors such as overuse injuries, inappropriate footwear (like high heels), diabetes, or obesity, leading to inflammation in the area [3][13].

• Symptoms: Patients typically present with pain in the ball of the foot, which may worsen with activity or prolonged standing. There may also be associated swelling or tenderness in the affected area [13].

• Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination is essential to assess the location and nature of the pain. This may include checking for swelling, tenderness, and any deformities in the foot structure [13].

• Medical History: A detailed medical history is crucial, including any previous foot injuries, existing medical conditions (like diabetes), and lifestyle factors that may contribute to the condition [13].

• Diagnostic Imaging: While not always necessary, imaging studies such as X-rays may be used to rule out other conditions, such as fractures or arthritis, that could mimic the symptoms of metatarsalgia [13].

• Exclusion of Other Conditions: It is important to differentiate metatarsalgia from other foot disorders, such as Morton’s neuroma or plantar fasciitis, which may require different treatment approaches [3][13].

These criteria collectively help healthcare providers accurately diagnose metatarsalgia and determine the appropriate treatment plan for the patient.

Metatarsalgia, specifically coded as ICD-10 code M77.41, refers to pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, often caused by various factors such as overuse, improper footwear, or foot deformities. The standard treatment approaches for this condition typically include:

Conservative Management

• Rest: Reducing activities that exacerbate the pain is crucial. This may involve taking breaks from high-impact sports or standing for long periods.
• Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
• Footwear Modifications: Wearing shoes with a wider toe box, good arch support, and cushioning can relieve pressure on the metatarsal bones. Avoiding high heels and tight shoes is also recommended.
• Orthotics: Custom or over-the-counter orthotic inserts can provide additional support and redistribute pressure away from the painful area.

Physical Therapy

• Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: A physical therapist may recommend specific exercises to strengthen the muscles of the foot and improve flexibility, which can help alleviate symptoms.
• Manual Therapy: Techniques such as massage or mobilization may be used to relieve tension and improve foot function.

Medications

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Advanced Treatments

• Corticosteroid Injections: In cases where conservative treatments fail, corticosteroid injections may be administered to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Surgery: If conservative measures do not provide relief and the condition severely impacts quality of life, surgical options may be considered. This could involve procedures to correct structural issues or remove any problematic tissue.

Follow-Up Care

• Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is essential to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as necessary.

These treatment approaches aim to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence of metatarsalgia. It is important for individuals experiencing symptoms to consult with a healthcare professional for a tailored treatment plan based on their specific situation and needs.

ICD-10 code M77.41 refers to Metatarsalgia of the right foot, which is classified under soft tissue disorders by the World Health Organization (WHO). Here are the key clinical details and descriptions associated with this diagnosis:

• Definition: Metatarsalgia is characterized by pain in the region of the metatarsus, which includes discomfort in the metatarsal bones, the metatarsophalangeal joint, and/or the intermetatarsal joints (also known as tarsal joints) [1][3].

• Causes: The condition can arise from various factors, including:

• Overuse injuries
• Wearing high-heeled shoes
• Conditions such as diabetes

• Obesity, which can lead to inflammation in the metatarsal area [12].

• Symptoms: Patients typically experience pain localized to the metatarsal region, which may be exacerbated by activities that put pressure on the foot, such as walking or running [12].

• Billing and Usage: M77.41 is a billable diagnosis code, meaning it can be used for reimbursement purposes in healthcare settings. It is valid for use in HIPAA-covered transactions from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025 [2][10][15].

• Related Codes: Other related ICD-10 codes include:

• M77.42 for Metatarsalgia of the left foot
• M77.40 for Metatarsalgia of an unspecified foot [7][8].

This code is part of the 2025 edition of the ICD-10-CM, which became effective on October 1, 2024, and is specific to the American version of the classification system [10][15].