Does running cause metatarsophalangeal joint effusions? A comparison of synovial fluid volumes on MRI in athletes before and after running.

Objective: The metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJ) are the only joints that bear weight directly through synovium. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is an association between synovial stresses during running and increases in volume of joint fluid.

Materials And Methods: This was a prospective case controlled study (nine healthy athlete volunteers acting as own controls).