Long Second Toe Correction

What Is Long Second Toe (Morton's Toe)?

Morton's Toe is characterized by a foot deformity where a person's second toe is longer than their big toe (the Hallux). Typically, the first toe should be the longest, but this condition reverses that alignment. Approximately 10% of the global population is born with this condition, though roughly 80% of affected individuals experience chronic pain.

Causes

• Long proximal phalanx (first knuckle bone in the toe)
• Long middle phalanx (middle knuckle bone)
• Short metatarsal or proximal phalanx in the big toe
• Long second metatarsal bone
• Previous foot surgery
• Childhood injury that stunted toe growth
• Genetic malfunction or hereditary factors

Symptoms

• Pain at the bottom of the foot due to abnormal pressure distribution
• Painful calluses or metatarsalgia (inflamed bone)
• Red, painful irritation on top of the toe
• Corn formation from prolonged irritation
• Toe contracture (permanent curling)
• Bumps and calluses behind the second toe
• Associated back, knee, and hip pain

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical

• Wearing proper, comfortable footwear with adequate toe box
• Foot orthotics and shoe inserts with arch support
• Custom-made orthotic devices

Note: Conservative approaches help manage symptoms but may not resolve pain in all patients.

Surgical

Toe-shortening surgery addresses the deformity by reducing the length of the second toe. The procedure generally leaves little to no visible scars on the foot. Recovery is typically fast and depends on patient health, age, and activity level. Insurance coverage applies when underlying conditions such as arthritis, pain, or discomfort with shoe-wearing are present.