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Toe Shortening Is A Thing And It's More Common Than You Think

Toe Shortening Is A Thing And It's More Common Than You Think

So, if you or someone you know has a large second digit - read this and swat up on your toe-shortening options

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

We've all got that one mate who sprung to our mind when we saw those two words 'toe shortening', haven't we? Maybe it's you - perhaps you're the one with the lengthy digit.

Well, don't fret - we've got a solution and it's becoming increasingly popular. Having cosmetic surgery on your second little piggy is now a thing and it looks bizarre.

It's a common feature to have a long 'index toe' - it's also perfectly normal, despite what your mates might tell you and has something to do with the metatarsal being connected to the second toe.

Footconsultant

Even though it's a sign of a normal, healthy foot, many people are opting to have it shortened, especially in cases where the toe is being damaged.

In the event of damage being caused, there are only two options: padding and the toe-shortening procedure.

According to Footconsultant, the 'simple' procedure corrects the offending pointer toe.

Now for the gruesome bit - the op is carried out by cutting the tip of the toe before a section of bone is removed to make the toes the correct length.

Footconsultant

Then the bones are remodelled into a shape deemed appropriate by your pals and they will be held in place with either wire or an implant.

Most patient require three stitches and the toe is closed back up, with the excess skin resembling a pushed-up jacket sleeve.

Like anything in life, the surgery comes with its potential setbacks such as infection, swelling, recurrence of deformity and stiffness of the toe.

The procedure is often performed under a local anaesthetic and you will be back on your feet within weeks. The new toes may take some time to settle properly but you could be back to normal shoe-wearing comfort within three weeks.

But make sure to dig out all of your flip flops and sandals because, depending on whether you have the wire or the implant, the op will set you back between £1,350 and £1,750 ($1,700 and $2,200).

Footconsultant also offers prices for two toes, three toes, four toes - but not five. Which seems strange, but who are we to judge?

Stuart Metcalfe, consultant podiatric surgeon at Footconsultant, told LADbible: "Long toes are not simply a cosmetic issue, they can in many cases result in a buckling of the toe itself which over time becomes permanent.

"This is in turn often leads to increased pressure over the tip of the toe and over the top of the knuckle joint of the toe. The problem is that these changes develop slowly over time and often the underlying cause goes unnoticed by patients."

The podiatry practice, which has clinics across the UK, offers a number of solutions to problems from flat feet to mallet toe.

Featured Image Credit: Footconsultant

Topics: UK News, Interesting, Cosmetic Surgery, Weird