Brachymetatarsia is a condition that results in one shortened toe bone. This can cause painful symptoms for a patient and affect their walking. Toe lengthening surgery is one of the most traditional approaches for this condition. Let’s explore further approaches to brachymetatarsia and how you can find relief for this rare condition. Best Foot Doctor NY is the Manhattan podiatry clinic you can trust with your brachymetatarsia case!
How Does Brachymetatarsia Develop?
Brachymetatarsia often develops congenitally (since or before birth) when the metatarsal bone does not develop fully. A secondary reason for this condition to develop is due to trauma or surgery. This condition typically affects the fourth toe. Brachymetatarsia can affect anyone, although evidence suggests a higher number of cases in female patients.
Symptoms of brachymetatarsia commonly include:
- Obvious length reduction of the metatarsal bone
- Pain while walking
- Difficulties with a gait while walking
- Blisters due to friction between the shortened toe and footwear
- Pain in the ball of the foot
- Difficulty with weight-bearing activities
Brachymetatarsia may be considered a rare condition, but it can still affect several people. Speaking with a Manhattan podiatrist can help you diagnose this condition and explore further treatments, including brachymetatarsia surgery.
What Is Morton’s Syndrome?
Morton’s syndrome is often confused with brachymetatarsia. However, Morton’s syndrome refers to a shortened first metatarsal bone. With Morton’s syndrome, you may suffer from calluses near the affected toe and constant pain while walking. Morton’s Syndrome may also result in Morton’s neuroma, a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes. This can feel like you are stepping on a pebble and cause burning pain on the ball of the foot.
Sitting down with a toe surgeon may be your best option to gain relief from Morton’s syndrome or Morton’s neuroma.
What Foot Surgery and Other Treatments Can Help Brachymetatarsia?
The most common minimally invasive approaches to brachymetatarsia include:
- Custom orthotics for arch support
- Changes in activity
- Brachymetatarsia toe lengthening surgeries
The right approach to your brachymetatarsia can vary. Speaking with an expert podiatrist can put you on the right path to determine what treatment is right for you.
Brachymetatarsia Surgery Options
After confirming your brachymetatarsia diagnosis with an x-ray, what can a Manhattan toe surgeon do for you? There are two forms of brachymetatarsia surgery an NYC podiatrist can do to ensure your shortened toe is lengthened and you are no longer dealing with painful symptoms.
Gradual Lengthening
This toe-lengthening procedure involves placing an external fixator device in the patient’s foot. The patient is then free to adjust the fixator at home, lengthening the toe over time. The external fixator is then removed during an outpatient surgical procedure.
One of the main benefits of a gradual lengthening procedure is that patients are immediately able to place weight on their foot after the external fixator is implanted. Then, they can control the lengthening process from the comfort of their own home while being able to complete their everyday routines.
Acute Lengthening
The acute lengthening procedure is completed by placing a bone graft from the patient or a donor in the patient’s toe. After the surgery, the patient is required to wear a boot, and there is a longer healing process (between 6 to 8 weeks).
While this procedure involves a longer healing time than gradual lengthening, it may be necessary to achieve the desired lengthening results patients seek. Patients who receive an acute lengthening procedure can start to walk in a month and a half to two months.
If you are unsure what brachymetatarsia surgical procedure may work for your case, your best option is to speak with an experienced podiatrist. Best Foot Doctor NY is the podiatry clinic many brachymetatarsia patients turn to.
Call the Best Podiatrist in Manhattan, NYC for Brachymetatarsia Surgery!
Brachymetatarsia can affect a person’s walking and their daily living. This condition causes pain and discomfort. If you suffer from brachymetatarsia and feel hopeless and self-conscious with wearing certain footwear, there are some traditional and minimally invasive procedures that can lengthen your toes and leave you feeling much better. Brachymetatarsia surgery from a Manhattan podiatrist may be key!Dr. Emmanuel Fuzaylov and his team lead Best Foot Doctor NY. Our Manhattan, NYC podiatry clinic has been helping many patients with brachymetatarsia for years so they can receive the life-altering toe-lengthening procedures they need! Contact us now to schedule your appointment and be one step closer to happy and healthy feet.