Brachymetatarsia
Foot & Ankle Care Colorado
Brachymetatarsia is a condition where one of the bones in the front of the foot, usually the fourth metatarsal, is significantly shorter than the others. This often makes the fourth toe appear shorter or raised, with the adjacent toes touching below it.
The condition arises when the affected metatarsal fails to develop fully or its growth plate closes prematurely. It can be easily diagnosed with an x-ray.
Beyond aesthetic concerns, the shortened metatarsal may not properly contact the ground or bear weight, causing pain, discomfort, and potentially leading to a painful callus or porokeratosis.
Treatment varies: some cases require only careful shoe selection, while others may need surgical intervention to lengthen the bone using an external fixation device or a bone graft.
Causes of Brachymetatarsia
Brachymetatarsia can result from genetics or trauma. Genetic conditions that may cause brachymetatarsia include changes in parathyroid hormone levels, Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, and Albright Syndrome. Additionally, trauma to the toe before growth is complete can also lead to brachymetatarsia.
Brachymetatarsia Symptoms
Symptoms, which occur at the site of Brachymetatarsia, may include:
- discomfort when walking
- shortened toe often rides high
- toe rubs against the top of the shoe
- calluses on the bottom of the foot
