America's Podiatrist

Hi,

I am curious about a family congenital toe issue.

The fifth toe (little) on each foot is considerably shorter than the fourth, only about half the size of the 4th. There is no pain or discomfort, but this curious genetic expression is found with my mother, two of her sisters, myself, my brother and my nephew.

They are not hammer, pigeon or mallet toes to the best of our knowledge, and I am writing a paper for a graduate class regarding genetic traits and cannot find a description of this particular condition.

Any information at all would be most helpful.

thank you for your time

Michael

Michael – I have seen this condition. It is congenital and considered x-linked or autosomal dominant. 25% of the time, the problem goes away as the baby/toddler ages. The other times, it does not and it can become a problem sometimes later in life. If the doctor catches this at birth, taping of the toe can correct the problem in most cases.

(Please post questions on the Forum section in the future!)

My 15yr old son has one toe on his right foot (the one next to the big toe) which has a clubbed nail.  I have recently read that clubbing has connections with lung and heart diseases.  He is very fit and has never had a problem.  Is this a problem for later life?  That nail also has some black dotting underneath the nail tip – any ideas?  I was thinking fungal perhaps?!!  On his left foot of his toe next to his pinkie toe there are 3 hardened pieces of skin which I have been treating as corns for years but I'm beginning to think NOT!!   Would it be worth going to see the podiatrist?

The large area on the medial side of the foot proximal to the large toe, where many people get bunions I believe, began about 1 year ago with a very tender bump which I noticed after having an acupuncture needle there.  Not sure if it began after that or if it was there before that and it just made me notice it because the needle hurt it.  But I actually do remember getting very sharp pains there at random times.  The bump or tender slightly soft and moveable spot on the side of that knuckle would flair up worse at times and give a stabbing pain.  A year later it is hurting to walk when the big toe bends back on my step, it feels stiff and painful.  The other day what I think was a tendon on the side of the foot that inserted right at the bump was red and taut, and it hurt just to touch it.  What could be going on here?  I am 32, good shape, and never wear constrictive shoes- mostly slippers, barefoot and flip flops.  I don’t know that this fits the category of a bunion or not.  Thanks for any hints.  

I have a hammer toe.  11 months ago I had surgery which removed the bump on top and the pain. About a week ago the pain reoccurred – whenever I walk I have a lot of pain from that toe.  Can you please tell me what I can do to relive the pain.  Thank you.