The best time to treat short metatarsals is recommended after the bone growth is complete, when the epiphyses close and the bones of the foot no longer grow on their own, at which point the short metatarsals can be lengthened. There is a genetic predisposition for short metatarsals. Until the age of 10 years, the short metatarsal bone develops together with the other metatarsal bones without any obvious abnormality. After the age of 10, the metatarsal epiphysis of the short metatarsal bone closes prematurely and stops growing, while the rest of the metatarsal bones continue to grow, thus slowly manifesting short metatarsal bones, which are usually detected when the child is 12-13 years old. This is the peak of growth and development and it is not possible to correct the metatarsals to the exact length that they should be. Therefore, it is important to wait until the bone has fully developed and the length is no longer changing, and then a surgical adjustment can be made to lengthen the short metatarsal bones, which is very effective.