Updated:
March 31, 2024
Another common genetic issue with the foot is a short toe, or Brachymetatarsia. Short toes are genetic and happen when one or more of the metatarsal bone growth in the foot are abnormally short.
Although short toes typically don’t cause as much pain or discomfort as hammertoes or long toes (although your weight distribution could be skewed if your short toe doesn’t reach the ground), they are still an issue most people would like to fix.
If you find that your short toe is impacting the weight distribution of your foot, you may be physically impacted by your condition and wish to fix your affected toe surgically or at least alleviate some of the discomfort.
Conservative measures, such as lifestyle and wardrobe changes, can be recommended, as well as surgical methods that lengthen the shortened toe. These measures all depend on the patient’s lifestyle, age, and particular impediment.
The following conservative treatment practices can be adapted to improve Brachymetatarsia:
Wearing shoes with extra depth and more space in the floating toe box can help give the shortened toe space to move around and assist in weight distribution.
Several over-the-counter pads and wraps are available that can be placed between the toes or behind the painful nail edge to relieve pain caused by a short toe attaches.
Temporary arch supports or custom molded orthotics can give support and minimize the gripping or clawing effect of short toes from a flattening archway. If a patient doesn’t want to undergo surgery, orthotics and arch support are great treatment solutions.
Similar to long-toe shortening surgery, the surgical treatment for a short toe takes place in an outpatient center or a clinic where the patient is under sedation and local anesthesia.
This surgery may or may not require an internal pin, the incision is minimal (½ a centimeter to 1.5 centimeters), and each two takes approximately 20 minutes. Occasionally an additional procedure is necessary, such as spur removal.
Sutures are removed after two weeks, and the patient can bear weight in a post-operative shoe or open-toe sandal after 48 to 72 hours of rest and elevation.
With bone graft lengthening surgery, sports, exercise, and wearing different shoes is allowed as soon as three weeks after surgery, depending on swelling and incision sensitivity.
Understanding insurance coverage for procedures such as toe lengthening surgery is essential. This surgery, often necessary for treating Brachymetatarsia, may involve advanced techniques like structural bone grafts, sliding bone cut lengthening, or the use of an external fixator.
Coverage varies by policy, with many insurers requiring the procedure to be deemed medically necessary. They may cover the cost of the surgery, which includes the lengthening of the metatarsal bone development or the correction of a fourth toe deformity, as well as the associated bone healing process.
Patients should consult their insurance provider to understand specifics, including coverage for bone plate or brachymetatarsia external fixator lengthening techniques, to ensure they are fully informed of any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Our clinic specializes in foot and ankle conditions, offering cutting-edge treatments for short bone and toe lengthening. Here's why we are the preferred choice for patients:
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Having a short toe, also known as Brachymetatarsia, means one or more of the metatarsal bones in the foot are abnormally short. This condition is genetic and can affect the weight distribution on your foot, though it typically causes less discomfort than other toe deformities.
Yes, Brachymetatarsia is considered a birth defect as it is a genetic condition where one or more metatarsal bones in the foot grow abnormally short. This results in a shorter toe, which can impact foot functionality and aesthetics.
A short toe can be addressed through various treatments, including conservative measures like wearing different shoes or adding padding and surgical options that lengthen the shortened toe. The choice of treatment depends on the individual's lifestyle, age, and the extent of discomfort or physical impact.
Toe lengthening surgery can be worth it if a short toe significantly affects your foot's weight distribution, causes discomfort, or if you are concerned about the appearance of your foot. The surgery involves precise techniques to extend the metatarsal bone, potentially improving both function and aesthetics.
After toe lengthening surgery, patients are usually able to bear weight in a post-operative shoe or open-toe sandal after 48 to 72 hours of rest and elevation. Complete recovery and the ability to engage in sports or exercise might take up to three weeks, depending on swelling and incision sensitivity.
Like any surgical procedure, toe lengthening surgery involves some degree of discomfort during the recovery phase. However, pain management strategies, including medication and careful post-operative care, can effectively mitigate pain.
Recovery from toe lengthening surgery varies, but sutures are typically removed after two weeks, and many patients can start transitioning back to normal activities within three weeks, depending on swelling and sensitivity at the incision site.
Yes, toes can be lengthened through surgical procedures that may involve bone grafts, sliding bone cuts, or the use of external fixators. These techniques aim to extend the metatarsal bone, correcting the short toe condition and improving overall foot aesthetics and function.
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