About

The metatarsocuneiform joint—commonly associated with first ray mobility—plays a crucial role in how the forefoot stabilizes and adapts during weightbearing. Metatarsocuneiform Joint Excursion describes how much the first metatarsal moves relative to the medial cuneiform when load is applied through the foot.

Adequate motion helps the medial arch adjust during early stance and allows the forefoot to form a stable lever during push-off. Too little excursion can create a rigid first ray that overloads neighboring structures, while too much excursion may contribute to excessive arch lowering, forefoot instability, or inefficient propulsion.

Assessing this joint’s movement provides key insight into forefoot function, medial column stability, and loading patterns throughout the gait cycle.

Effect of Deviation

Reduced excursion may limit forefoot adaptability and increase stress at adjacent joints, while excessive excursion can reduce stability and contribute to arch collapse or inefficient push-off.