Skip to main content

              

Houston Foot & Ankle Surgical

Toe Shortening

What Is Long Toe?

A long toe is exactly what the name describes, a long toe. The long toe can be straight or buckled. Over time, a straight long toe can become buckled forming a hammer toe. Any of the toes may be considered long, but the 2nd toe is most commonly long. 

Symptoms Of A Long Toe

Patients with a long toe may pain associated with the tip of the toe. Excessive pressure from shoes may result in the formation of a hardened portion of skin (corn or callus) on the tip of the toe. A buckled long toe (hammer toe) can also have pain and callus formation over the toe knuckles. Some people may not recognize that they have a long toe, rather they identity the excess skin build-up of a corn.

The toe(s) may become irritated, red, warm, and/or swollen. The pain may be dull and mild or severe and sharp. Pain is often made worse by shoes, especially shoes that crowd the toes. While some long toes may cause significant pain, others may not be painful at all. Painful toes can prevent you from wearing stylish shoes.

A long toe is at risk to progress onto a hammer toe as the tip of the shoe pushed directly on the toe – causing it to contract. Over time, the toe can become permanently contracted.

Causes Of A Long Toe

Genetics (hereditary) is most common reason for a long toe. The toe itself may be excessively “long” or the toes adjacent may be short in comparison – making a toe appear long. A short big toe will make the 2nd toe longer. A bunion (medically called, hallux valgus) will effectively shorten the great toe, making the 2nd toe prominent and long. The presence of a bunion with a long 2nd toe can lead to a hammer toe or a crossover toe.

When to Seek Hammer toe Treatment

Common reasons patients seek treatment for a long toe are:

• Toe pain on the tip
• Thick toe calluses
• Interference with walking/activities
• Difficulty fitting shoes
• Worsening toe deformity
• Unsightly appearance

Depending on your overall health, symptoms and severity of the hammer toe, the condition may be treated conservatively and/or with surgery.

Non-operative Treatments For A Long Toe

Non-surgical methods for a long toe are aimed at decreasing symptoms (i.e., pain and/or calluses) and/or limiting the progression into a larger problem.

Simple treatments patients can do are:

• Wear supportive shoes
• Use an arch support
• Wear shoes with a wide toe box
• Modify activities
• Spot stretch shoes
• Periodic callus care

Non-surgical treatments can add:

• Anti-inflammatory Medicines: Prescription strength medicines to decrease pain and inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: To strengthen poorly functioning muscles and stretch tight muscles that may be exacerbating the toes. Special ultrasound techniques may reduce inflammation.
• Custom Foot Orthotics: orthotic with an exact mold of your foot to better align and support the foot to ease current discomfort and prevent future progression.
• Toe Splints or Pads: Specific pads may prevent pressure and physical irritation in shoes. Bunion splints and toe spacers physically realign the toes and can lessen pain and halt or stall hammer toe progression.
• Injections: Cortisone injections are strong anti-inflammatory agents to decrease pain, and swelling directly at the toe region. Injections only treat the symptoms, and in some cases used in caution (and sparingly) they can weaken supporting ligaments of the toe(s).

Toe Shortening Surgery

Long toes can be surgically shortened. Depending on the severity and length of the toe, there are several methods to surgically correct shorten a toe. In general, the surgery involves removing a portion of the bone at the contracted joint, to realign the toe.

Source:  bunionsurgeryny

RIVERA FOOT & ANKLE: At Orlando H.Rivera DPM, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. When you have problems with your feet, you need to turn to a podiatrist who listens and responds… an experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat your needs… a friendly physician who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. Our physician(s) meet all these criteria. Plus, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.

 06 Toe Shortening

Houston Foot & Ankle Surgical

Foot and Ankle, Dr. Orlando Rivera, Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialist, Foot and Ankle Podiatry, Houston Foot & Ankle Surgical, Treatment of Foot and Ankle, Foot & ankle specialists, Podiatrist in houston, podiatrist in houston, Orlando H.Rivera DPM, Houston Foot Doctor, Foot and Ankle Surgeon Houston, Ankle and Foot Specialist Houston, Podiatrist Houston, Foot Pain Houston.

 

 

CONTACT US

Invalid Input

Invalid Input

Invalid Input

DISCLAIMER 
Copyright © All Rights Reserved. Rivera Foot & Ankle
Web page by LaraNet | Expand Your Business!