Reason Why Some People Have One Short Toe Among Others

Some people have an uncommon disease in which one finger or toe is shorter than the others. When the foot is involved, this is not often immediately obvious. Healthline describes this condition as brachydactyly and states that it poses no health risks to the affected individual. Only those who are particularly attuned to appearances will notice that the toe or finger is unnaturally short.

Unless triggered by another health concern, people with this disability usually do not experience pain. They are just unable to properly grasp an object or stand on their own two feet. Some persons only have one long finger or toe because of the following:

1. It is a hereditary condition inherited from one’s parents. This condition is present at birth, and it’s quite likely that another member of their family shares it. This genetic disorder does not have any associations with sexual orientation or gender identity.

You can get it from either your mother or father if they both have the gene in their DNA.

2. This defect can also be induced by the medicines that the woman takes while pregnant. This is why many gynecologists stress the need of avoiding self-medication during pregnancy. You can’t just use over-the-counter medications for a common fever. You need to schedule an appointment with your gynecologist.

3. Another reason people have this abnormality is when blood flow to their feet or hands is interrupted, especially in childhood. Parents should limit their infants’ exposure to potentially harmful stimuli while they are still developing.

4. Another genetic condition known as Down syndrome, which is characterized by the presence of an extra copy of the 21st chromosome, is a potential contributor to this condition. Some physical deformities may result from this. The only treatment for this deformity is surgical correction or the elimination of the underlying health issue(s) that cause it. The person with this syndrome will just have to learn to live with it.