Based in the heart of NY, Advance Foot and Ankle Solutions offers the best facility for performing toe shortening surgery in NYC, while catering to all other various foot and ankle problems. Look no further when you can have direct access to the globally acclaimed specialist team of foot and ankle surgeons, supervising & managing your toe shortening surgery with diligence and dedication.
Advance Foot and Ankle Solutions support team is absolutely attentive to your requirements related to toe shortening surgery in NYC. Call & book an appointment right away for professionally diagnosed, treated and empathetically cured foot and ankle issues, to lead a wholesome, enviable lifestyle.
Toe Shortening: Defined In The Words Of Your Doctor
Long toes are a common occurrence and can always be surgically shortened. Depending on the severity and length of the toe, there are several methods to surgically correct a toe by cutting it short. In general, the operation involves removing a portion of the bone at the contracted joint with the aim of realigning the toe.
As a result of the extra-long 2nd toe it turns buckled leading to pressure points over the top of the knuckle joint. The buckled toe also makes the tip of the long 2nd toe painful. The nail plate shows early signs of damage. The goal of shortening the 2nd metatarsal is to decrease pain at the base of the 2nd toe and help it straighten out. Toe shortening is one of the commonly performed operations in our practice. Can you get your toes shortened? Apart from padding the toe the only real long-term solution for long 2nd toe or Morton’s is toe shortening surgery to shorten the offending toe. An interesting fact is that far more women than men are suspected to suffer from this problem.
Toe Shortening: The Signs & Indications Leading To It
- Pain in the ball of the foot
- Discomfort while walking barefoot
- Callus formation under the metatarsal head
- Elongated abnormally 2nd metatarsal
Toe Shortening: Can You Get Your Toes Shortened?
At your orthopedic surgeon’s clinic this surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure. The patient arrives one to two hours prior to the scheduled surgery time and is discharged the same day. The specific techniques put to use are detailed as under:
- The patient receives numbing medication for the foot along with sedation given through an IV.
- The orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon makes an incision on top of the foot in line with the second toe. If a corn or damaged skin is present this can normally be removed at the same time.
- The bone is visualized and a saw is used to make a cut in the bone.
- Just the right amount of bone is removed to get it shortened to the desired length.
- The bones are then remodeled into the correct shape by typically holding in place with one or two screws. Sometimes a plate with screws is used.
- A more recent advance has been the use of specially designed clips to hold the bones in position internally that stays inside the bone.
- This new technique is proving to be an effective treatment with quicker recovery and less risk of infection as there is no pin protruding from the toe(s).
- The surgeon closes the incision with only 3 sutures and/or staples and places a dressing. The stitches are removed after about 2 weeks.
- The podiatric surgeon may also place a splint to protect the foot.
- Sometimes a boot or hard-soled shoe is used.
Toe Shortening: Post-operative Care & Recovery
- After the surgery you are advised to rest.
- You should remain non-weight bearing for at least 6 to 8 weeks to prevent motion between the bones that are trying to heal together so as to minimize toe shortening recovery time.
- Walking on crutches is allowed for the first week.
- A surgical shoe is to be worn for first two weeks.
- In two weeks’ time your stitches are normally removed.
- During the first two weeks ice packs should be applied and the feet should be elevated as much as possible to subside swelling and pain.
- Swelling usually persists for 3- 6 months after surgery and footwear modification is necessary to accommodate this initially.
- Driving is permitted after 2 to 4 weeks.
- The use of various scar-care products is recommended.
Toe Shortening: The Possible Complications Involved
As with all other surgeries, Morton’s toe shortening surgery carries risk of complications, including:
- Superficial Bacterial Infection
- Damage To Nerves & Blood Vessels
- Blood Clot Formation
- A Bad Reaction To The Anesthesia
- Stiffness & Numbness Near The Incision
- Deep-rooted Infection Up To The Bone
- Non-union Due To Diabetes Or Smoking Habit
- Revision Surgery Due To Delayed Healing