Analysis: Irish pinky toes don't always always cause pain, but there are ways to reduce it, one step at a time
By Lauren Connell and Benjamin Bullen, University of Galway
Does your small toe hide beneath its next-door neighbour? Although there isn't scientific evidence that this condition, known as "Irish pinky toe", is more common in Ireland, it's a popular idea that it's a genetic trait among some people with Celtic heritage.
As podiatrists in Ireland, it is certainly something we see every day. An Irish pinky toe may look unusual, cause pain or increase your chances of losing it altogether. Added pressure on the toe or toenail can also cause corns, calluses, thickened toenails and even ulcers that may lead to amputation.
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From RTÉ Radio1's Brendan O'Connor Show, what's the state of the nation's feet? Footcare advice from podiatrist Paula Haughey
If you've ever thought, "What is wrong with that little toe?" or "Why don't I have a nail on that toe?" then here's why you might need to take extra care to avoid potential wounds – and even amputation – in future. Fortunately, toe amputations are a relatively rare occurrence but can be offered if the toe continues to cause pain after all other treatments have been tried or if there is infection or gangrene.
Because an Irish pinky toe sits under the one beside it and often rotates, this can cause pressure on the neighbouring toe. If two bones or joints are pressed close together, this may cause the skin to thicken and result in a corn.
This might also happen if the little toenail irritates the skin and, if the nail is long or sharp, this might pierce the skin and cause a wound or an infection. The little toe and toenail may also rub up against the lining of your shoes, leading to painful friction blisters or shoes that wear out quickly. Wellington boots may be ideal for music festivals and the rainy Irish weather but don't tend to fit very well, causing the foot to slide about inside.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Ray D'Arcy Show, Dr Ian Miller, Senior Lecturer of Medical History at Ulster University, discusses the head, shoulders, knees and toes of Irish history.
Repeated friction or trauma may even damage the nail matrix, the part that makes nail, attached to the bone. This could lead to permanent thickening of the nail, that may become unsightly and cause pain.
The "Irish pinky toenail" is similar. This is when the toenail may split in two or an extra nail-like skin lesion develops. Sometimes, it may look like you have two nails, a condition described by podiatrists as a petaloid nail or a Lister's or Durlacher corn. It's difficult to determine how common petaloid nails are because they're underdiagnosed and rarely reported.
What can I do about it?
Whatever your heritage, show your pinky toes some love and avoid future problems by trying to avoid tight footwear, especially boots with a firm toe, such as steel toe caps, court shoes, or any shoe with an unforgiving fabric such as a patent finish.
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From RTÉ Archives, Andrew Kelly reports for RTÉ News on the growth in reflexology to treat a variety of illnesses by massaging the feet.
Some people might throw on any old socks in the morning but ill-fitting socks can contribute to problem foot health – socks that do not stretch, or have heavy seams, may increase the pressure on your pinky toes. Pain or problems may be caused by the toe itself or, perhaps, a sock seam, rigid fabric or the style of shoe. It's worth investing in high quality, breathable fabrics for socks, such as cotton or bamboo.
If you have to wear specific safety footwear for your job, such as in farming and construction, you may find higher quality, thicker socks are better than boots with thick fabrics in the toe, that will wear down over time. Perhaps also consider investing in a silicone-lined toe sleeve, which acts like a hat for your toes and protects them from the pressure of footwear.
Alternatively, it's possible "prop the toe" by making custom supports. We do this by creating a silicone device which lifts the toe off the ground, separates tight toes or improves the toes position, to avoid future problems. For existing corns, callus or wounds, it's best to get a trained specialist who can remove excess nail or skin painlessly with a blade to reduce discomfort.
Irish pinky toes don't always always cause pain, but if they do, there are ways to reduce it, one step at a time.
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Lauren Connell is a Podiatrist & Doctoral Researcher at University of Galway. Benjamin Bullen is a Lecturer in Podiatric Medicine at University of Galway. This article was originally published by The Conversation.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
