Brachymetatarsia Specialists

What is brachymetatarsia?

Brachymetatarsia is a condition in which one or more of the toe bones is significantly shorter than the others. The foot deformity usually occurs in the same toe or toes on both feet.

Brachymetatarsia most often affects the fourth toe. When you have two or more abnormally short toes, you have brachymetapody.

The abnormal toe growth occurs when the growth plate of a metatarsal — one of the long bones that connect your ankle to your toes — fails to fully develop or closes too early. You may be born with a condition that causes brachymetatarsia, or it may result after an injury. 

What are the signs and symptoms of brachymetatarsia?

The most common sign of brachymetatarsia is the appearance of a toe that’s much shorter than normal. However, this foot condition also affects foot mechanics and may cause pain and discomfort or the development of a painful callus. 

Your abnormally short toes may not connect with the ground when standing or walking, which can affect distribution of your body weight. These changes in weight distribution place more stress on other parts of your foot or body, resulting in pain.

Also, your short toe may drift upward, affecting comfort when wearing shoes.

How is brachymetatarsia diagnosed?

The Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists team has extensive training in diagnosing and treating brachymetatarsia. They can diagnose the foot condition after a history and physical exam. However, the team performs X-rays to confirm a diagnosis. 

How is brachymetatarsia treated?

The podiatry experts at Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists have specialized training for gradual or acute correction of brachymetatarsia. Treatment for brachymetatarsia depends on the severity of the deformity.

If your toe deformity causes no pain or discomfort, the team may recommend a change in shoewear or provide you with custom orthotics.

However, if you need surgical treatment, the team lengthens the metatarsal bone in your toe using an external fixation device (to encourage bone growth) or internal bone grafting.

Your provider customizes your treatment plan based on your needs and reviews the details at your consultation.

For expert care from a team with advanced training in the treatment of brachymetatarsia, call Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists, or schedule an appointment online today.