Treatment
When the second toe is longer than the others, it is called a ‘Morton's toe’.
Constant rubbing between the second toe and the shoe, especially when wearing high heels, can cause considerable discomfort. Over time, this continuous rubbing can lead to bending of the toe, resulting in what is known as ‘hammer toe’ or ‘claw toe’.
This deformity:
- is painful,
- affects the quality of life of people suffering from ‘hammer toe’
- limits the ability to wear and choose certain types of shoes
This problem can be solved. How? By shortening the second toe.
This surgery is performed to:
- Correct and prevent hammer toe deformities
- Restore the natural harmony of the toes, allowing patients to wear shoes comfortably and reduce discomfort associated with rubbing.
What does toe shortening surgery involve?
People affected by ‘Morton’s toe’ should consult a medical specialist to assess their case individually.
Clínica Planas uses innovative toe shortening surgery to get you a precise and effective solution.
A simple 15-minute procedure under local anaesthesia is all you need to correct the bone structure in your feet.
How?
Through one or two small access holes measuring just 1 mm. Calibrated drills are used to perform an osteotomy (controlled fracture) on the first and/or second phalanx of the toe, removing the necessary span of bone to thus adjust the toe length.
The toe will then be splinted with external taping using special adhesive tape.
Where necessary, the procedure may be supplemented with skin grafting to tighten the skin, which is often sagging due to the previous deformity.
Our technique delivers the best results because:
- It permits millimetre-precise correction
- It leaves no scars
- It does not fuse the toe joints as is often the case in traditional hammer toe surgery.
This prevents the toe from losing its mobility.
Furthermore, with this technique, there is no need to insert pins or wires, which prevent patients from putting on their shoes and walking.
This extensive technique offers patients the certainty of:
- Effective correction
- A lasting solution
- Quick and comfortable recovery.
- Minimal risk of infection
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Benefits of toe shortening
Toe shortening surgery offers a number of significant benefits for those who suffer from discomfort and pain caused by their toes rubbing against their footwear
Restoring foot harmony
Beyond alleviating daily discomfort, this procedure aims to restore the natural harmony between the toes, allowing for greater comfort when walking and wearing appropriate footwear.
No scarring
The toe shortening surgery approach we take at Clínica Planas consistently delivers superior aesthetic results. Our surgical method affords patients significant aesthetic and functional improvements for their feet with no visible post-op signs or scars.
Eliminating pain
Toe shortening also brings immediate relief after surgery because it eliminates the pain associated with friction from the protruding toe.
Preoperative
Our medical specialists first conduct an initial assessment visit before the procedure, diligently collecting clinical data, performing a thorough examination of the foot, and running various diagnostic tests.
This careful assessment lets us obtain accurate and comprehensive information about the patient's condition.
Postoperative care
Toe shortening surgery patients will be able to walk right away, unassisted by crutches.
To ensure proper recovery, we recommend wearing special orthopaedic footwear or sandals with a hard, flat insole for the first 10 days after surgery.
This will help keep your foot protected and promote proper bone healing.
After this preliminary phase, the patient can switch to regular shoes.
Our medical group will be on hand to walk you through recovery and share detailed suggestions for achieving successful rehabilitation.
F.A.Q.
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What is Morton’s Toe?
‘Morton’s toe’ (also known as ‘Greek toe’) is one of three foot morphotypes in which the second toe, and perhaps the third toe, are longer than the big toe. This particular anatomical feature is quite common across a broad demographic, with a notable incidence in Mediterranean and Arab countries, and other regions too.
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How long should I wait before wearing shoes again after surgery?
After toe shortening surgery, it is essential to follow your surgeon's recommendations to ensure proper recovery.
We recommend wearing special orthopaedic footwear or sandals with a hard, flat insole for the first 10 days after surgery. Afterwards, our patients can switch back to their own footwear.
Bear in mind that the bones will heal approximately 6-8 weeks after surgery. For this reason, certain sporting activities should not be undertaken during this time. -
Is there a limit to how much the toes can be shortened?
The shortening is carried out as necessary to restore harmony and functionality to the foot, alleviating any discomfort. The surgery is performed with the aim of eliminating pain and improving the patient's quality of life, ensuring that the result is aligned with their needs and comfort.
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Why should I undergo toe shortening treatment if I have ‘Morton’s toe’?
Although ‘Morton’s toe’ is a fairly common anatomical variation and does not represent a medical concern, for some people it can cause discomfort due to constant rubbing against footwear. Morton’s toe is also associated in the medium to long term with hammer toe or claw toe deformities. Toe shortening surgery is designed to alleviate these discomforts and improve quality of life. This makes it an effective solution for regaining comfort and enjoying greater freedom when choosing footwear.
Related treatments
-
Bunions
Pretty and healthy feet are a symbol of beauty. Bunions can be taken care of painlessly, without scarring and without being admitted into hospital. -
Hammer Toe
We carry out a percutaneous technique, with no internal attachment, guaranteeing a quick and effective correction without leaving scars. -
Tailor´s Bunion
With the technique used at Clinica Planas, as well as eliminating the bony lump, we realign your toe, whilst restoring shape and correcting foot movement.
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