I recently learned of a new term for foot procedures – face lifts for feet. This was used an Associated Press article about the trend in cosmetic foot procedures. Some of these are called toe tucks, toe slim, toe shortening, along with common procedures like bunnionectomy and hammer toe surgery. Many of the patients are women who want their feet to look prettier. Others are those who are in pain from their feet.
One podiatrist says these procedures make up the bulk of his practice. A
Houston
podiatric surgeon says he does five cosmetic cases a month, most shortening the second or third toe, or lengthening the big toe, at a cost of $1500 to $2000 per toe.
I have heard from many athletes who have foot problems and could benefit from surgery. Bunions, hammer toes, Morton’s toe, metatarsal pain, ingrown toenails, and toenail removal, are a few examples. Rather then “put up with” the problem, there comes a time when surgery may be the right 
choice. For example, the photo shows a person with Morton’s Toe. The toe is quite a bit longer than the big toe and could present many problems to an athlete. This person might happily have surgery rather than deal with the issues of such a long toe.
Before choosing foot surgery, make sure to get at least two opinions, and three may be better. Investigate your condition on the Internet, at trusted websites. Become educated so when you contact a podiatrist or other specialist, you know what questions to ask.
