Short toes are a congenital condition resulting from a growth disorder of the metatarsal bone, causing the toe to appear short and positioned higher on the foot.
What are short toes and what causes them?
This condition occurs due to an abnormal shortness of the toe’s metatarsal, making the toe movement unstable and the head tilted upward. This phenomenon usually appears by age seven and becomes more pronounced upon reaching adulthood.
There are several reasons for this condition, including:
- Genetic factors: The most common cause, where shortness appears in a family member.
- Childhood injuries: Foot injuries that affect growth centers.
- Health disorders: Endocrine diseases or other conditions affecting the bones.
- Unknown causes: The condition appears in one out of every 3,000 people.
This shortness affects the fourth toe in 90% of cases, while the remaining 10% affect other toes. The condition appears in both feet in 72% of cases and is more prevalent in women than men at a ratio of 25:1. While some may search for information on short fingers, this specific condition pertains to the feet.
Problems resulting from short toes
Some individuals may not experience any pain, but many suffer from complications including:
- Pain in the toe head or under the metatarsal due to constant friction with shoes.
- Deformities or curvature of the toe.
- Contraction of the skin and foot tendons.
- The appearance of subcutaneous protrusions on the sole of the foot.
- Psychological effects, such as embarrassment over the foot’s appearance, which may prevent a person from participating in social activities that require open-toed shoes.
Short toe lengthening options
Diagnosis is performed via X-rays of the patient in a standing position to measure the difference between the affected metatarsal and the other toes.
Conservative Treatment
This is used to reduce pain but does not remove pressure during walking. It includes:
- Wearing wide shoes.
- Using internal supports or pads to lift the head of the toe metatarsal.
Surgical Treatment
Surgeries are performed after age 16 to ensure the foot has completed its growth. Methods vary as follows:
- Single-stage lengthening: Used if the shortness is 15 mm or less. A cut is made in the bone and tendons are lengthened, with the possibility of grafting bone from the pelvis or leg, fixed with screws or a metal plate removed after at least two months. This method features fewer inflammations, lower cost, and better cosmetic results, but it is limited to 1.5 cm and may cause pain at the graft site.
- Gradual lengthening: Used for shortness exceeding 15 mm via an “Ilizarov” device. The bone is separated and lengthened at a rate of 0.5 mm per day. This method allows for greater length and earlier walking, but it is expensive, takes a long time for fusion, and may cause toe stiffness.
- Other options: Shortening other toes if more than one toe is short, or removing the fourth toe and merging the third and fifth.
FAQ
What do short toes mean?
It is a congenital condition where the metatarsal bone is shorter than normal, causing the toe to look shorter and sit higher on the foot.
What causes short toes?
The causes include hereditary genetic factors, childhood injuries to growth centers, or certain endocrine disorders.
When can short toe lengthening surgery be performed?
Surgery is performed after age 16 to ensure that foot growth is completely finished.
Which toe is most susceptible?
The fourth toe is the most affected, representing 90% of all cases.
Does conservative treatment replace surgery?
Conservative treatment only relieves pain; it does not treat the underlying problem or remove the pressure resulting from the shortness during walking.
When should you visit a doctor?
It is recommended to consult a specialist when the following signs appear:
- Persistent pain in the toe head or under the metatarsal when wearing shoes.
- Noticeable curvature or deformity in the shape of the toe.
- Painful skin protrusions on the sole of the foot.
- Psychological impact and loss of self-confidence due to the appearance of the foot.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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Illustration: AI-generated
approved by: Medica Health team