If you or your child has more than five toes (polydactyly), see the specialists at Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery in Burbank, Santa Clarita, and Northridge, California. The highly trained podiatrists offer surgical repair for this condition to remove extra toes and perfect the appearance of the affected foot. Call the office to schedule an appointment or request one online today.

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What is polydactyly?

Polydactyly is a genetic condition in which you have more than five digits (fingers or toes) on a hand or foot. The condition can be passed down in families and may develop because of certain genetic diseases. Surgery at Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery can remove extra digits to restore the function and look of your foot.

What are the symptoms of polydactyly?

The symptoms of polydactyly are having too many fingers or toes. The extra digits may be poorly formed and attached to your hand or foot by a small stalk without bones or have bones and function just like normal digits.

What can cause polydactyly?

While the exact cause of polydactyly may not be entirely clear, genetics plays a role in its development. The causes may include:

  • Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
  • Familial polydactyly
  • Asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy
  • Carpenter syndrome
  • Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome
  • Trisomy 13
  • Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome
  • Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome

If someone in your family has been diagnosed with polydactyly, your risk of being born with the condition increases.

Is polydactyly treatment right for me?

If you’re bothered by the appearance of polydactyly or have toe pain or dysfunction because of the condition, treatment is for you. Your Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery provider reviews your medical history, examines your feet, and often takes X-rays or other imaging procedures before tailoring your treatment plan.

What should I expect during polydactyly treatment?

The treatment for polydactyly depends on the type of extra digits you have. Digits attached by a small stalk (without bones) may fall off by simply tying a tight string around the stalk.

For larger digits, however, surgery at Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery is the best way to eliminate extra toes. Your podiatrist numbs the treatment area, surgically removes the extra digit, and closes any incisions.

After surgery, it’s important to keep the surgical site clean, get plenty of rest, eat nutritious foods, take medications as instructed, and see your Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery provider for follow-up visits. Gradually, as the treated tissues heal, you can enjoy the new look of your feet without extra digits. Any scarring fades over time.

To get treated for polydactyly, schedule an evaluation at Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery by phone or request one online today.

References

Polydactyly: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia