Webbed toes, known as syndactyly in the feet, are when two or more digits are fused together. This condition is discovered at birth but, why does it happen?
Causes of Webbed Toes
Webbed toes (or hands) occur at random and the exact reason for it happening is unknown.
Scientific Cause
In the early stages of the human fetus, the hands and toes start webbed. About six weeks into development, the fetus undergoes a process called apoptosis.
Apoptosis is when certain unwanted cells are programmed to die. These include the webbed cells in the hands and feet. When this process doesn’t’ occur, then the child is born with webbed toes.
Genetic Conditions
Although there isn’t a specific known cause, webbed toes have been associated with several genetic disorders. It is most common in disorders that cause abnormal growth of the bones in the feet like the following:
- Down syndrome
- Pfeiffer syndrome
- Apert syndrome
Variations of Webbed Toes
Webbed toe symptoms can range from simple to complex. Simple syndactyly is when the adjacent toes are fused but only by the soft tissue.
Complex syndactyly occurs when fusion happens with both soft and hard tissue. In more severe cases, a complex condition can involve other body parts like blood vessels, muscles, and nerves.
The symptoms of webbed toes can also be complete or incomplete. Complete syndactyly is when the fusion occurs all the way to the tip of the toes. Incomplete syndactyly is when the fusion only goes up part of the way.
Surgery for Webbed Toes
Some cases of webbed toes don’t require any treatment since most cases don’t experience pain. The treatment, whether it’s needed or simply wanted, is surgery.
Surgery is recommended between a year and a year and a half. This is important to help avoid other issues as the toes grow and develop further. The cost of surgery is covered by most insurance companies.
What to Expect From Surgery
Before the surgery can happen, doctors need to know what body parts have been affected. This will require x-rays or ultrasounds to be done and the surgery will take about two to five hours.
During the surgery, the surgeon starts by cutting along the middle of the webbing in a zigzag pattern. This pattern prevents scarring from affecting healthy growth.
Skin grafts can be taken from another part of the body and stitched over sections that remain exposed. The skin graft will promote healthy and proper healing.
What to Expect Post Surgery
After the surgery, the doctor will either wrap the toes in layers of bandages or a cast. The purpose is to immobilize the toes to protect them as they heal.
For about a month, you shouldn’t put any pressure on your toes. After this, depending on the complexity of the condition, complete healing will take between three to six months.
It’s also important to keep on the lookout for web creep. This will occur on some occasions and happens when the previously webbed area continues to grow.
Having Other Foot Issues?
Webbed toes are a condition with really only one treatment: surgery. But if your ankle or foot pain is due to conditions like Plantar Fasciitis and Bunions, then Canyon Oaks Foot and Ankle can help get you back on your feet.
Contact us today!
