One Foot in Front of the Other: A Podiatry Collection

Can And Should You Have Your Toe Shortened?

2 April 2020 by Elijah Turner

When you look down at your feet, does one of your toes simply seem too long? Maybe you even have trouble finding shoes to fit because of your really long toes. You've likely wondered whether you could have your toe shortened — but did you realize that toe shortening surgery is a real option? Here's a closer look at this cosmetic toe surgery, its results, and what it may involve.

How can a surgeon shorten your toes?

The mere idea of shortening your toes might sound odd or impossible. You might fear you'll lose your toenail or that the toe will look deformed, but neither of those things will be the case. Rather, your surgeon will typically remove a portion of the bone in the middle of your toe. The tip and base of your toe will remain intact. There will likely be some minor scars on either side of your toe, but nobody will see them unless they look really closely — and who is going to look at your toe that closely?

What issues will the surgery correct?

Not only will you be happier with the look of your toe, but you will also notice an improvement in some issues you may not have realized were due to your toe's length. Your toe won't rub and get blistered in your shoe as much. You should not get so many corns and calluses on your toe, and you'll be less prone to hammertoe from wearing shoes often.

How long will you need to take off from work for this surgery?

Many people put off toe shortening surgery because they fear they won't be able to take the necessary time off. However, you might be pleased to learn that recovery is much quicker than you'd think. Most people come home the same day as their surgery. You can start walking the next day as long as you protect your foot in a special boot. You should be back to most activities, save any that involve kicking or jumping, within a couple of weeks.

Is toe shortening surgery covered by health insurance?

That depends. It is typically considered a cosmetic procedure, which means many insurance policies will not cover it. However, if your doctor can argue that you need your toe shortened because it is causing you pain, hammertoe, or other ailments, the insurance company may agree to cover the procedure.

Toe shortening surgery is a real thing, and it is an option to explore if you feel your toes are too long. Talk to your podiatrist to learn more.

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