San Mateo Podiatry Group

Make a PaymentCall Today! 650-342-2420 Menu
  • Home
  • About Us
  • New Patient Information
  • Services
  • Contact
Conditions / Brachymetatarsia

Brachymetatarsia

Brachymetatarsia is a condition in which one of the bones in the front of the foot is significantly shorter than the others. Although it may affect any of the five metatarsals, it most commonly affects the fourth metatarsal. Looking at the foot, it might appear that the fourth toe itself is shorter than the adjacent toes. Sometimes it may even appear as if the fourth toe is raised up, with the third and fifth toes touching each other below it.

The condition occurs when the affected metatarsal bone fails to develop fully or its growth plate closes prematurely. It is easily diagnosed with an x-ray.

Beyond concerns about the toe’s appearance, the shortened metatarsal may not contact the ground properly or carry its share of the person’s body weight, resulting in pain and discomfort, and can even result in a painful callus or porokeratosis, which is extra skin growth that hardens and resembles walking on a pebble.

In others, surgical treatment may be required. The metatarsal bone can be lengthened with an external fixation device or internally with a bone graft.

In some cases, brachymetatarsia causes no pain or discomfort and may be treated with careful shoe selection. In others, surgical treatment may be required.

Reserve Your Consultation Today!

Learn why more families in the San Francisco Bay Area chose us for their foot and ankle care!

Reserve Online
Meet Your Doctors

Learn More

Why Choose Us?

Learn More

Health Insurance Explained

Learn More

Contact Information

San Mateo Podiatry Group
1750 El Camino Real, Suite 106
Burlingame, CA 94010

Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Same Day Urgent Care Consults Available

Reserve Your Visit Online
Call Today: 650-342-2420

Connect

  • Home
  • News
  • Careers
  • Media Inquiries
  • Contact Us

About

  • Who We Are
  • Bill J. Metaxas, DPM
  • Bruce M. Bulkin, DPM
  • Advantage: Podiatry
  • Our Latest Reviews

Patient Resources

  • New Patient Information
  • Patient Portal
  • Out of Town Patients 
  • Health Insurance FAQ
  • Financing Options

Downloads

  • Registration Forms
  • Financial Policies
  • Practice Policies
  • Privacy Notices (HIPAA)
  • After-Surgery Instructions

© Copyright 2023 San Mateo Podiatry Group

Since 1917, A Tradition of Excellence in Foot and Ankle Care.

All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use and Privacy Policy