Brachymetatarsia Treatments
for Lockport, Niagara Falls, NY & Beyond

It’s a bone deformity that occurs when one of the metatarsal bones fails to fully develop, or the grown plate closes prematurely. Over time, the other metatarsals will grow around it, which causes the affected toe to appear shorter. This type of foot condition is much more prominent in women. Typically, brachymetatarsia is noticed in the bone development stage during childhood. 

Various genetic conditions have been linked to brachymetatarsia including irregular parathyroid hormonal levels, Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, and Albright Syndrome. Also, any type of trauma that has occurred in a toe that’s not fully developed can stunt its growth. 

People with brachymetatarsia generally experience a great deal of pain and difficulty wearing shoes. There are various treatments available, ranging from conservative to surgical options. Our experienced foot doctor will be able to examine the severity of the bone deformity and determine what type of treatment is best for your case. Check out the following section to learn more about the available treatment options.

Conservative Treatments

For mild cases, special shoes with a wide and high toe box can be worn to accommodate the affected toe. Lifestyle changes may be necessary to avoid any type of activity that could aggravate the toe.

Gradual Lengthening

During this type of procedure, the foot surgeon will apply a mini-external fixator. The device will help to gradually lengthen the affected metatarsal. The mini-external fixator stays on the foot until the bone heals. Depending on the length that needs to be gained, the process can take up to 4 months. After the bone heals, the foot surgeon will remove the device.



Acute Lengthening

Unlike gradual lengthening, acute lengthening can be completed in one procedure. The foot surgeon will create a space between the bone ends of the affected metatarsal and insert a bone graft. After surgery, an orthopedic boot will be placed on the foot. While recovery is only about 6-8 weeks, the patient can only bear weight on the heel of their foot. 

If you’re struggling with a bone deformity like brachymetatarsia, turn to our foot surgeon to find the right treatments for your needs and goals. Relieving pain in your foot will allow you to confidently tackle any type of daily task. Contact our office in Niagara Falls, NY to schedule a consultation with our foot surgeon. We look forward to helping you achieve pain relief!