BRACHYMETATARSIA

If you suffer from deformity or foot pain due to a brachymetatarsia, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What is Brachymetatarsia?

The Metatarsal bones extend long ways through the foot and attach to each of the five toes. When one of these metatarsals remains significantly shorter than the others, Foot and Ankle Specialists dub this “Brachymetatarsia”. This condition may affect any of the metatarsals and appear in either foot, but it tends to affect the fourth metatarsal most often. if more than one metatarsal suffers from Brachymetatarsia, the term changes to Brachymetapody. To the eye, it may appear that the affected toe appears shorter than the toes next to it. In some cases, the fourth toe will appear raised up with the toes on either side touching in the middle underneath.

Indication Of Brachymetatarsia

The primary symptom of brachymetatarsia is a shortened toe or toes, which can result in cosmetic concerns and functional issues. The affected toe may appear noticeably shorter than the adjacent toes, causing an imbalance in foot alignment and weight distribution. This can lead to difficulties with walking, balance, and the fit of shoes. Brachymetatarsia can have various impacts on foot function and aesthetics. Some common effects of this condition include:

1. Toe Shortening: The affected toe or toes may be visibly shorter than the adjacent toes, resulting in an abnormal appearance and potential cosmetic concerns.
2. Imbalance and Instability: Brachymetatarsia can disrupt the normal alignment of the foot, leading to an imbalance in weight distribution and stability. This imbalance can affect gait and increase the risk of developing other foot conditions, such as hammertoes or calluses.
3. Foot Pain: The altered foot structure and uneven pressure distribution caused by brachymetatarsia can result in pain, discomfort, or fatigue during weight-bearing activities or prolonged periods of standing or walking.
4. Shoe Fitting Challenges: The shortened toe or toes may not fit properly in standard footwear, leading to difficulties finding comfortable and well-fitting shoes.

Treatment For Brachymetatarsia

Treatment for brachymetatarsia depends on the severity of the condition and its impact on the individual’s quality of life. Conservative treatment options may include wearing orthotic inserts or specially designed shoes to improve foot alignment and redistribute pressure. However, these methods may not fully address the cosmetic concerns or functional limitations associated with brachymetatarsia.

Surgical intervention is often considered for individuals with significant symptoms or aesthetic concerns. The goal of surgery is to lengthen the affected metatarsal bone, either by bone grafting or gradual distraction using an external fixator device. These procedures aim to restore proper foot alignment, improve function, and achieve a more balanced appearance. Recovery from brachymetatarsia surgery involves a period of healing, immobilization, and rehabilitation. This may include wearing a cast or specialized shoe, gradually transitioning to weight-bearing activities, and undergoing physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility, and function in the foot.

Brachymetatarsia Recovery

Brachymetatarsia recovery involves several stages focused on restoring normal foot function and appearance after corrective surgery. Initially, post-operative care includes immobilization using a cast or specialized footwear to protect the surgical site and facilitate bone healing. Patients are instructed to avoid weight-bearing activities on the affected foot during this period to prevent complications.

As healing progresses, physical therapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation. Therapists prescribe exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the foot and ankle. These exercises aim to enhance muscle tone and restore normal gait patterns.

Throughout recovery, patients are monitored for signs of infection, bone healing, and alignment. Follow-up appointments with orthopedic specialists ensure that healing progresses as expected and allow for adjustments to the rehabilitation plan as needed.

With consistent adherence to post-operative care instructions and rehabilitation protocols, individuals undergoing brachymetatarsia correction can typically expect to regain full function of the affected foot and achieve satisfactory cosmetic results within several months to a year after surgery.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Specialist in DFW, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Telemedicine appointments are also available.