A long toe can cause a lot of distress and problems for patients. Complaining about constant toe pain and discomfort can be easily avoided by undergoing toe shortening surgery. While this procedure is recommended for alleviating the nerve-wracking symptoms, how common is toe shortening surgery? Read our blog to find out everything about this procedure and make an informed decision about solving your long toe issue.
Long toe is considered to be one of the top ten problems people have with their feet. The toe shortening surgery is a procedure that can help patients walk with confidence again. People who have used up all the options for alleviating their pain or discomfort choose to do the surgery. It is one of the most common procedures in the world of foot surgery.
What Is a Long Toe?
Long toe or Morton’s toe is one of the most common issues people have with their feet. It is estimated that 15% of the world’s population have a long toe. While some foot-related problems are caused by injuries or footwear, Morton’s toe is inherited genetically.
It is a condition when the second metatarsal is shorter than the first metatarsal. To put it plainly, people whose second toe is larger than the first toe suffer from Morton’s toe. The condition can lead to painful calluses on the sole of the foot and a hammertoe.
How Is It Treated?
Long toe issues can be alleviated by wearing supportive shoes or using arch support. When shopping for shoes, finding a pair that has a wide toe box would help tremendously if you feel pain while walking.
In case the issues grow worse, and you find yourself struggling with swollen and irritated toes or calluses, and bunions start forming, the wisest option is to undergo a toe shortening surgery. There are a couple of methods that can be used to fix a long toe, and it depends solely on the severity of the issue.
How Common Is Toe Shortening Surgery?
What Does the Surgery Entail?
The two main methods of toe shortening are minimally invasive. The first method is arthroplasty which involves joint resection, while the second one is fusion or bone mending. When undergoing an arthroplasty, the surgeon removes a small portion of the toe joints and realigns the toe. During bone fusion, the surgeon removes the entire small joint. Patients will need an implant or a wire during the healing process, which will be removed once the bone regains stability.
Recovery
The process of recovering from toe shortening surgery is identical to the healing process from hammer toe surgery. The time it takes to gain full stability and strength will depend on the type of procedure the patient underwent. Generally speaking, the recovery lasts approximately 6 weeks. Depending on the severity of the issue, the patients can expect to heal completely in the period of 2 weeks to 3 months. What can slow down the recovery are medical problems, age, inadequate nutrition, and smoking.
Ask Your Surgeon Everything You Want to Know About Toe Shortening Surgery
If you are considering getting rid of the annoying foot pain once and for all but still have some questions and doubts about the risks of the procedure, do not worry. All you need to do is to contact us. Our team is more than happy to provide you with answers to any questions you might have about the surgery. Consider sending in an inquiry form below or calling the Luxe Foot Surgery center between 9 AM – 6 PM, Monday to Friday.
FAQ
Is Toe Shortening Surgery Worth It?
Deciding to have the procedure done is a step in the right direction since you will be able to get the toe symmetry improved. The pain, swelling, and irritation will subside, while the cosmetic appearance of your feet will make it great to wear different types of shoes again without the feeling of anxiety and self-consciousness.
How Much Is Toe Shortening Surgery?
The cost of the toe shortening procedure may vary depending on the severity of the problem. The price ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. It’s best to get an appointment and consult with the doctor, so you’ll know what your surgery entails and what the
