Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 8/14/2010

Question
hi,
  my baby was born 3 weeks ago and her pinky toe looks a bit crooked it sticks out a little and over towards the next toe, it seems to resemble her grandmothers terrible case of "hammer toe"  i am concerned it may be this.  the midwife said it may be positional from the pregnancy and will straighten out, but it has a striking resemblence to the grandmothers toe.  is there something that can be done early on while bones are soft and the toe is little to correct this?  what can be done?  is ther anything i can do, massage it into place everyday??  i would appreciate your response, thanks gia

Answer
Hello Gia,


Congratulations on your new baby.

Thank you for your question.

Your mid-wife, ob-gyn, maybe even the pediatrician, could take an in-person physical LOOK at this toe and see if it is just a common variant among newborns.  I highly doubt it could be now,  or even could become a 'hammer toe' as your Mom's.

         Babies, infants, newborns, even 'older' kids are very 'soft' and flexible.  FIRST I would have a professional look at this toe (examination), in all likelihood this toe will mold itself back into the position it should be on it's own (if it even is 'misaligned' or 'bent' = many times we, as parents, are OVERLY concerned, hyper-critical, 'helicopter' (hovering) parents).

         IF it is 'misaligned', a simple massage type maneuver may
'slip' it back into it's proper positions.  Infants, babies, newborns, and again even the 'older' kids do come to the Doctor (of Chiropractic) for spinal misalignments, so perhaps a toe could also be 'misaligned'. - - - But, again, I would have a health professional examine this toe: mid-wife, ob-gyn, pediatrician, even your local chiropractor.

          IF it were 'subluxated', even 'luxated' the maneuver upon a newborn babies joint would be so gentle, so subtle, it would be more like a gentle stroking massage, more than a discernible, thrust like manipulation.


         #1)- this could be, this probably is, ... just a common variant in positioning.

         #2)- if you are very concerned, if it persists, let a health professional take a look: mid-wife, ob-gyn, pediatrician, even your local chiropractor.

         #3)- IF it is misaligned, perhaps any of the above mentioned professionals could --massage-- it back into place.

         #4)- We do love to cuddle, stroke, massage our babies,
if this toe is driving you crazy, you could GENTLY massage, stroke, 'play with the little piggies (spell??) going to market'-
just gently playing with your babies toes/ feet/ arms/ legs make sure everything 'works right' and is human nature!

        
As  parent, I know how you feel.  We have to be cautious, but not hypochondriacs on behalf of our children!


Not directly related to this toe- but you could have the toe AND the spine checked out at your local Doctor of Chiropractic.  Many DCs do treat newborns, infants, children.  The chiropractic doctor also does have specialties (just as medical doctors do)- maybe you would like to bring the baby to a particular specialist, whether orthopedic or pediatric; see:  http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf

and  http://www.icpa4kids.com/seminars/  

and  http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=46332

 and  http://icpa4kids.org/About-the-ICPA/advanced-chiropractic-pediatric-credentials-...


I hope this all helps- to calm you, to inform you!
again,
Congratulations and Thank you for the question!

Wishing You AND your Baby- Good Health Naturally!

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP