Is It in Your DNA? 5 Foot Health Problems You Inherited from Your Parents

We at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists always preach to our patients the importance of vigilance; if you feel something is off with your feet, then see the podiatrist. Well, genetics is the ultimate tool for vigilance, so if you know that your mother and grandmother have a history of bunions, then you should try to catch it early if you start to notice a bump. 

But that’s just one example. Here are five common foot problems that you likely have in your genetic code (and that you should be on the watch for). 

Bunions

You might have heard that wearing high heels or narrow sneakers causes bunions, but that is only half of the story. While tight shoes can certainly make the problem worse, the structural deformity known as hallux valgus is heavily influenced by your genetics.

Flat Feet 

If your feet look like they are pancaked against the floor, you can probably thank your family tree. Flat feetoften run in families because the strength of your tendons and the tightness of your ligaments are hereditary. 

If your parents have loose ligaments, your arches may not have the tension required to stay lifted. This can lead to overpronation, where your feet roll inward, which causes a chain reaction of pain in your ankles and knees. 

High Arches

On the flip side, having very high arches is also a common family trait. 

High arches are less efficient at absorbing shock, which puts pressure on the balls of your feet and your heels. If you notice that several people in your family struggle with calluses, ball of foot pain, or frequent ankle sprains, your shared genetic arch height might be to blame.

Hammertoes

Do your toes tend to curl or buckle at the middle joint? Hammertoes are often the result of a muscle or tendon imbalance that is hard-coded into your DNA. 

When your foot structure is naturally unstable, the tendons in your toes must work harder to keep you balanced, which eventually causes them to stay in a permanent, claw-like position. 

If your parents struggle with toe deformities (like the aforementioned bunion), you should be extra mindful of your shoe choices to stay ahead of the curve.

Ingrown Toenails

Some people are born with nails that are naturally wider or more curved than others. If you inherited a nail bed that curls downward at the edges, you have a much higher genetic probability of dealing with chronic ingrown toenails.

If you’re experiencing foot pain, discomfort, or changes in how you walk, come see the expert team at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists. With locations in Tucson and Oro Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., are here for you. Call us at (520) 575-0800 or contact us online!