This rather long, somewhat tongue-twisting moniker, Brachymetatarsia, refers to a relatively rare malformation that usually affects the fourth metatarsal bone, which corresponds to the fourth toe.

The toe itself is normal in length, but the bone to which it attaches is short.

This abnormality forces the toe to lift and crossover the third toe, causing discomfort when wearing shoes and participating in weight-bearing activities.

The primary goal is to lengthen the metatarsal bone in oder to restore a natural appearance, eliminate pain and improve the general function and balance of the foot.

Brachymetatarsia

Brachymetarsia can occur on either one or both feet, and more often occurs in women than men at a ratio of 25:1.

If it affects more than one metatarsal, it is known as brachymetapody. Causes for this condition can be rooted in genetic maladies such as Turner, Albright and Down Syndromes or trauma to the toe during the stages of foot development.

In these cases, it may arise from abnormal hormone levels. The other metatarsals grow around it, resulting in a toe that appears shorter than the others. 

What Are The Early Symptoms of Brachymetarsia?

Common symptoms include re-occurring pain from walking on the bottom of the feet, which happens because of the abnormal weight distribution on the front of the foot and because the position of the affected digit is forced upward and rubs against the top of the shoe.

Calluses also sometimes develop on the bottom of the feet due to excessive pressure, which can treated with either one or two accepted procedures depending on their size.

Surgical Solutions Brachymetatarsia

The Psychological Aspects of Brachymetatarsia

Usually diagnosed via X-ray during early childhood, those afflicted often have difficulty wearing normal shoes and experience significant pain while walking. 

Children and young adults are the most psychologically affected, as they are often the butt of cruel jokes and painful parody, which leads to feelings of embarrassment and a loss of self esteem.

In addition, as the foot grows and develops, complications worsen, and many who suffer from brachymetatarsia (both adults and children), avoid the pool or beach and/or wearing flip flops or open sandals.

Is Brachymetarsia A Cosmetic Surgery?

According to Medical News Today, a 2022 study indicated that cosmetic surgery improves body confidence and reduces depression and anxiety levels.

Emotional and social health can be significantly enhanced by surgical intervention.

While certainly considered cosmetic in nature, the motivation to undergo this particular surgery is always masked by deeper motivations.

Crooked or angular toes are not only unsightly, they also cause pain, embarrassment and social isolation, affecting the overall quality of life’s simplest pleasures.

The Treatment Options For Brachymetarsia

Brachymetatarsia is a rare condition in which one or more of the metatarsal bones in the foot are abnormally short, causing the affected toe to appear shorter than the others.

This can lead to pain, emotional discomfort, and difficulty walking for those who suffer from this condition.

Traditional treatment options for brachymetatarsia include bone lengthening procedures, which can be long and painful processes requiring extensive recovery time.

However, Dr. Abraham Wagner is implementing a new advanced technique that is revolutionizing the treatment of brachymetatarsia.

This technique involves the use of a specialized implant that allows patients to walk immediately after surgery, significantly reducing recovery time and improving overall patient outcomes.

Podiatrist Dr. Wagner Performing Surgery

The implant used in this procedure is designed to lengthen the affected metatarsal bone.

The implant is inserted into the joint through a minimally invasive incision.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in our office based- surgical suite

One of the key advantages of this new implant technique is the ability for patients to walk immediately after surgery.

This means that patients can return to their normal activities much sooner than with traditional bone lengthening procedures, which often require weeks or even months of recovery time.

This can be life-changing for those suffering from brachymetatarsia, allowing them to resume their daily routines and activities with minimal disruption.

Additionally, the use of this implant technique can also reduce the risk of complications associated with traditional bone lengthening procedures.

The minimally invasive nature of the procedure and the ability for patients to walk immediately after surgery can help to improve overall patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Overall, the new advanced technique of using an implant for the treatment of brachymetatarsia represents a major advancement in the field of cosmetic foot surgery.

By allowing patients to walk immediately after surgery and significantly reducing recovery time, this technique is providing new hope for those suffering from this rare and debilitating condition.

As this technology continues to evolve, it has the potential to improve the lives of countless individuals who are affected by brachymetatarsia.

Contact Our Teams At Jaws Podiatry

Advances in technology and cutting-edge medical innovations have made it possible for more and more people to benefit from minimally invasive procedures that would not have been possible in decades past.

Still, the skills of the chosen surgical staff is always the constant factor that determines ultimate success.

Our practice is headed by south Florida’s s acclaimed Dr. Abraham Wagner (DPM), whose reputation attracts clients from all over the country and beyond.

Located in Hollywood, Florida, our customized treatments are performed for clients throughout the country and the world with the utmost care and respect for correcting any condition that is affecting the cherished quality of human life.

Our focus always concerns a positive outcome and recovery experience. 

If live anywhere throughout the United States or abroad, and you are suffering from foot pain, call our teams today!

We’re always here to help!

TAKE THE FIRST STEP ON THE PATH TO BETTER FEET

It is not self evident that all feet and all foot surgeons are created equally. The cosmetic and functional procedures we perform require mastery over an extensive set of skills that take years to develop. 

So when you need to keep your best foot forward, make sure that it goes in that direction only and contact our caring, experienced and thoroughly prepared staff at Jaws Podiatry.

Final thought about feet: The human foot  is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art- Leonardo Da Vinci

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