Abnormally short toes may be acquired as an adult or result from a congenital disorder. Isolated short toes can be embarrassing and lead to functional problems later in life.
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of one or more of your toes, we can help. At Surgical Arts of Inland Empire, we specialize in a variety of cosmetic podiatry procedures, including toe lengthening surgery.
Am I a Candidate for Toe Lengthening?
You may be a good candidate for toe lengthening if:
- You have Brachymetatarsia, a genetic condition that prevents one of your toes from growing full size (If it affects more than one toe, the condition is called brachymetapody).
- You've previously had hammer toe surgery and your toe was shortened more than necessary.
What Happens During Toe Lengthening Surgery?
Toe lengthening surgery is an outpatient procedure that will require either general or local anesthesia combined with sedation.
Using a specialized instrument, your surgeon will cut your toe and place an implant or bone graft in between the two ends. The extensor tendons and the surrounding skin will also be lengthened to accommodate your repaired toe.
After Toe Lengthening
It is likely that you will experience some pain and discomfort during the healing process. A combination of medication and ice packs will help alleviate some of your discomfort.
Recovery times vary, depending on the extent of your procedure. In most cases, you will need to keep weight off your repaired toe for up to three months. Once three months have passed, you will need to wear a special lace up shoe for an additional six weeks or so.
Scheduling Your Appointment
If you’re considering toe lengthening, contact Surgical Arts of Inland Empire at (909) 579-3111. We would be happy to discuss the risks and benefits of toe lengthening in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.