Toe deformities are highly inheritable in (white) men and women of European descent, according to a study appearing in the May issue of Arthritis Care & Research. Almost 1,400 people enrolled in the Framingham Foot Study, averaging 66 years of age, underwent a foot exam between 2002 and 2008 to determine if they had bunions, hammer toes or plantar soft tissue atrophy, which is a breakdown of the fatty “cushion” under the ball of the foot. In addition, the researchers used software to perform genetic analyses to estimate the inheritability of the participants’ foot disorders. The results of the study showed that bunions and toe deformities such as hammer toe are highly inheritable, but not plantar soft tissue atrophy. “We now know that the hereditary component is huge in foot conditions,” says Marian Hannan, DSc, MPH, from Hebrew SeniorLife and Harvard Medical School. “It’s more heritable than even the height you get from your parents or family. For people who have early onset, before age 65, chances are even more likely they got it from a parent.” Dr. Hannan says knowing about this genetic component can give people who are more susceptible to bunions and toe deformities valuable information that may help them delay onset, or minimize the effects. More From Prevention: Get Pretty Feet—Naturally! “There really is no way to prevent these conditions if you’re genetically predisposed to them, but knowing you are at high risk can change the possible progression,” says Dr. Hannan. “This is important because proper management may allow you to avoid surgery down the road.” She suggests consulting with a podiatrist who can suggest interventions , like insoles, orthotics, or even foot exercises, if you have a genetic risk. “Medical science and podiatry are evolving and finding better treatments,” says Dr. Hannan. “You may still get a bunion, but it may be a small, manageable one, rather than a painful condition that negatively impacts your quality of life.”
