Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Absent foot

A rare limb difference present at birth in which the foot and ankle are missing, on one or both sides.

Understanding Absent foot

Absent foot is a rare limb difference in which the foot and ankle are totally missing from birth.

There are no bones past the tibia or fibula, but the lower leg is present. It is not part of a syndrome. It can affect one leg or both legs.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet.

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
What prosthetic options are available for my child?
Which specialists, such as orthopedics or rehabilitation, should be involved?
Should we have genetic counseling for future pregnancies?

Quick facts

GARD says changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. It doesn't list a specific gene.

Genetic

Also known as: agenesis of foot; aplasia of the foot; apodia; congenital absence of foot; transverse deficiency lower limb - ankle level

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Absent footGARD ID 21197 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Absent foot.

Explore the Absent foot blog

Explore research for Absent foot

Explore actively recruiting Absent foot studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Absent foot with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Absent foot studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for Absent foot

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Absent foot

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Absent foot experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your Absent foot journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.