Overview
Adactyly of the foot is a rare congenital limb condition in which a baby is born missing all toes on one or both feet. The term 'adactyly' literally means 'absence of digits.' This condition is present at birth and is typically noticed immediately after delivery. It is important to note that this specific Orphanet entry (435623) is marked as 'OBSOLETE,' meaning it has been retired or merged into a broader classification of limb deficiency conditions. Adactyly of the foot may occur as an isolated finding or as part of a larger syndrome involving other limb or body abnormalities. The absence of toes can affect balance, walking, and the ability to push off during movement, though many individuals adapt remarkably well over time. The severity of the impact depends on whether one or both feet are affected and whether other parts of the limb are also involved. Treatment is primarily supportive and may include specially fitted shoes, orthotic devices, physical therapy, and in some cases surgical interventions to improve foot function. Prosthetic toe devices may also be considered. Because this entry is obsolete, patients and families should work with their medical team to identify the most current and specific diagnosis that applies to their situation, as this will guide the best treatment and genetic counseling options.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Missing all toes on one or both feet at birthDifficulty with balance when standing or walkingAltered gait or walking patternDifficulty pushing off the ground while walking or runningFoot may appear shorter or differently shapedPossible difficulty fitting into standard shoesPossible associated limb differences in hands or other parts of the body
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Adactyly of foot.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Adactyly of foot.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Adactyly of foot.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is my child's adactyly isolated, or could it be part of a larger syndrome?,Should we pursue genetic testing to look for an underlying cause?,What is the chance this condition could occur again in future pregnancies?,What types of orthotics or special shoes would help my child walk better?,When should my child start physical therapy, and how often?,Are there any surgical options that could improve foot function?,What resources or support groups are available for families dealing with limb differences?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Adactyly of foot
What is OBSOLETE: Adactyly of foot?
Adactyly of the foot is a rare congenital limb condition in which a baby is born missing all toes on one or both feet. The term 'adactyly' literally means 'absence of digits.' This condition is present at birth and is typically noticed immediately after delivery. It is important to note that this specific Orphanet entry (435623) is marked as 'OBSOLETE,' meaning it has been retired or merged into a broader classification of limb deficiency conditions. Adactyly of the foot may occur as an isolated finding or as part of a larger syndrome involving other limb or body abnormalities. The absence of
At what age does OBSOLETE: Adactyly of foot typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Adactyly of foot is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.