Why Cut a Metatarsal
When one or more metatarsal heads bear too much load - causing intractable pain, calluses, or recurrent stress fractures - a small bone cut (Weil or distal metatarsal osteotomy) shortens or elevates the metatarsal head, redistributing load across the forefoot.
Recovery
Stiff postoperative shoe for 4–6 weeks, transition to regular footwear, and return to most activity over 8–12 weeks. Often combined with hammertoe correction or bunion surgery as part of a comprehensive forefoot reconstruction.