Final answer:
The Mulder sign involves compression of the intermetatarsal nerve. It is performed during a physical examination to diagnose Morton's neuroma. Diagnosis and treatment of this condition require medical attention, including potential shoe modifications and surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Mulder sign involves compression of a structure within the foot known as the intermetatarsal nerve. Specifically, this refers to the squeezing of the nerve that runs between the metatarsal heads in the foot, commonly affected by a condition known as Morton's neuroma. The test for the Mulder sign is performed by placing pressure on the intermetatarsal spaces with one hand and squeezing the metatarsal joints together with the other. A positive Mulder sign is indicated by a palpable or audible click and is often accompanied by a reproduction of the patient's pain.
The presence of the Mulder sign can help in the clinical diagnosis of Morton's neuroma, a condition where the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes thickens, often causing pain in the ball of the foot and numbness in the toes. Treatment options for Morton's neuroma may include shoe modifications, orthotics, corticosteroid injections, and in severe cases, surgical intervention to relieve pressure on the nerve.