Question
This may be a very odd request, but I need an expert's answer on the function of the smallest (or pinky) toe on the foot.

- Does the pinky toe affect a person's balance?
- If so, how much?
- What is the primary purpose of the pinky toe?
- Does a person need to have therapy after losing a pinky toe to re-learn how to walk?

I appreciate your help in this matter. I haven't found an online source that can give me credible information yet, so I appreciate your answer.

Answer
This Chicago & Elmhurst Podiatrist says.....

Believe it or not in the old days in the National Football League certain players would get very painful corns on their fifth toes and instead of having pain or a potential wound-from all the action and the toe rubbing on rock-hard shoes-a small amount of players would have their 5th toes amputated.
That said.....If the tendons were sutured around the head of the metatarsal and you can wiggle the fifth metatarsal-you should do fine without the fifth toe.
You may some minor difficulties with  diving from a diving board or do certain dance-but should be able to adapt relatively quickly.
Never had a patient who needed physical therapy to learn to walk with a missing lessor toe.
If there is pain in the area-then physical therapy may help with that.
Toes are used for proprioception-feeling the ground and for some balance-but I have many patients with missing toes who do quite well.
It is the big toe that is the most important -for push-off when running and walking.
Go see a good Board Certified Podiatrist in Orthopedics-who can make an orthotic-if you seem to be having difficulties

Hope this helps!
Good Luck My Friend!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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