Polydactyly is a rare condition where someone is born with extra fingers or toes. Most people have five fingers on each hand and five toes on each foot. But people with polydactyly might have six or even more. The extra finger or toe can look like a normal one, or it might be smaller and not fully formed. Even though it sounds rare, it usually doesn’t cause any health problems. This happens because of changes in a person’s genes, which are like instructions that help the body grow. Sometimes these instructions get mixed up, leading to an extra finger or toe.

The genetic reason behind polydactyly

The main cause of polydactyly is a genetic mutation that affects how fingers and toes form when a baby is still inside the mother’s womb. One gene that scientists have found connected to this condition is called the GLI3 gene. This gene controls how limbs grow, and when it changes, an extra digit can appear.

Polydactyly can often run in families. This means if a parent or grandparent has an extra finger or toe, a child might be born with one too. But sometimes it can happen even if no one else in the family has it.

An interesting study from Freiburg University in Germany found that people with six fingers might actually have better hand control. The extra finger can help make tasks like tying shoelaces or playing video games easier. This shows that polydactyly isn’t just a random condition—it might even give people an advantage in some situations.

How does polydactyly develop?

The process of forming fingers and toes while a baby is growing is very complicated. If something goes wrong during this process, an extra finger or toe may form. This could be because of genetic reasons or, in rare cases, environmental factors like complications during pregnancy.

Polydactyly is more common than many people think. About one in every 1,000 babies worldwide is born with this condition.

Is it dangerous?

For most people, polydactyly doesn’t cause any health problems. Sometimes, if the extra finger is small, poorly formed, or gets in the way of movement, doctors might suggest surgery to remove it. This surgery is usually simple, and people recover quickly. In many cases, the extra digit is more of a cosmetic issue—meaning it looks different but doesn’t cause harm.

Polydactyly happens in people all around the world. It is more common in people of African descent, but cases are also regularly seen in India and other countries.

People across the world have different beliefs about polydactyly. In India, many see having six fingers or toes as a sign of good luck and intelligence. Some believe people with this condition have sharper minds and are meant to achieve great success.

Astrology even suggests that an extra finger boosts brain power, helping people focus better and think more clearly. It’s said that ancient sages used special hand positions to improve their concentration—and astrologers believe people with an extra finger might naturally have this ability.

Some well-known people have embraced their extra digits without any worries. Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan has six fingers on one hand. He chose not to remove the extra finger, and it never held him back. He’s still one of India’s most successful and loved actors, proving that having an extra finger doesn’t stop anyone from achieving their dreams.

Athlete Swapna Barman, who has six toes on each foot, proved that having extra toes didn’t stop her from succeeding. She won a gold medal in the heptathlon at the 2018 Asian Games. In fact, some people believe her extra toes might have even helped her stay balanced and run better.

Why people find polydactyly interesting

Polydactyly is a condition that connects both science and culture. Scientists and doctors study it as a genetic difference—something that happens when a baby develops in the womb. But in many parts of the world, people believe having an extra finger or toe is a sign of good luck or special abilities. Some think it means the person will be more successful or talented.

Whether it’s viewed as a medical condition or a symbol of good fortune, polydactyly continues to grab people’s attention. It’s a reminder that human bodies can be unique in amazing ways—and sometimes, what seems unusual can actually be an advantage.

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