A lifetime of big toe/side pain only when wearing shoes

by Imber Fernandez
(New York,NY)

Hi! I found out that pigeon toe runs in my family with the birth of my son. He's is getting therapy for his inturning. I have had footwear issues all my life and so did my father. I am trying to get info. on what type of surgery can correct his deformity. I am very concerned for my son because I don't want him to go thru this issue. I wear shoes with and without orthotics and I still get the same pressure on the side of my big toes. I beleive I was born with metatarsus adductus, because I have the descriptions of this deformity from the knees,ankles and toes. My regular foot doctor when I told him of this he said that nothing can be done for me at this stage. I am seeing another foot clinic and the doctor there is not telling me anything either. All I know that if the space between my big toes is reduced that could correct my problem. Please someone in modern podiatry tell me that there is a surgical procedure for this. When nothing works in infants back then with this surgery is the next option . I would like to know what is that surgery that is mentioned? Thank you.

Mr Imber Fernandez

Hi Imber,
Your question is not clear as to whether the surgery is for you or your son.
Anyway, in most cases of metatarsus adductus the metatarsal bones have to be broken and realigned in a straighter position, particularly for you; hopefully soft tissue manipulation of your son's foot will negate the need for surgery.

In my opinion you would have to be in a lot of pain on a daily basis to consider this type of surgery. Like any surgery there are inherent risks and the older a patient is the less likely the outcome will be as satisfactory as envisioned.

Marc Mitnick DPM