Brachymetatarsia

Brachymetatarsia is basically a condition of the foot. In this one of the 5 bones is unusually short. The shortened toe is known as short metatarsals. It is also known as smaller toe. In most of the cases both the feet are affected. It is a condition that happens bilaterally. Sometimes more than one toe is affected and is known as brachymetapody.

Reasons:-

This problem arises when the natural growth of the metatarsal is hindered at premature stage. The bone is no more capable of growing. The condition can be hereditary or due to excessive pressure put on the foot, this fractures the plate.

Physiology:-

The normal functioning of the foot is effected and several foot problems arise. Under normal foot conditions, when we walk the weight of the body gets distributed from 5 to 1 toe. The normal way of weight distribution over the toes is altered.

The improper toe length cannot take the weight of the body properly. The third and the fifth one have to bear the extra weight of the fourth toe. Hence pain is experienced in these areas.

Treatment of Brachymetatarsia:-

This ailments treatment is very limited. The only way to rectify it is with shoe with special room for the short toe. Padding’s are suggested to diminish the pressure. Orthotic device are the most practical ways in correcting the problem.

One may even go for surgery to treat the condition. The process is named as grafting. The shortened metatarsal is cut and joined with bone piece. With medication and treatment the size gets corrected. While in most of the cases the tendons and the ligaments of the area has to be worked out. With this the arc and the weight of the foot is corrected. But care post surgery is mandatory. The foot should be kept well covered and weight should not be carried.