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Living with Distal arthrogryposis type 10

A genetic condition with stiff, bent joints, especially in the feet, that often shows up as toe-walking in infancy.

Understanding Distal arthrogryposis type 10

Distal arthrogryposis type 10 is a rare genetic condition that causes stiff, bent joints, mostly in the feet.

People with this condition have joints that are tight and hard to straighten (contractures), especially at the ankles. This often shows up as toe-walking in infancy. Milder tightness can affect the hips, elbows, wrists, and fingers. GARD says there are no eye or nerve problems with this condition, and a muscle blood test (creatine phosphokinase) is normal.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Stiff, bent joints in the hands and feet (distal arthrogryposis)
  • Tight ankles that point the toes down
  • Toe-walking
  • Tight elbows that don't fully straighten
  • Tight hamstring muscles
  • Fingers that stay bent (camptodactyly)

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.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support Inc. may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support Inc.
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 Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support Inc.
  • 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 therapy might help with tight ankles and toe-walking?
Would genetic testing help our family understand this condition?
Which specialists, such as orthopedics or physical therapy, should we see?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

GARD says changes in a person's genes cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene can cause it.

Genetic

Also known as: congenital plantar contractures; congenital plantar flexion contracture; da10; da10 - distal arthrogryposis type 10; plantar flexion contracture; short achilles tendon

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Distal arthrogryposis type 10GARD ID 17212 · 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 Distal arthrogryposis type 10.

Explore the Distal arthrogryposis type 10 blog

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Explore actively recruiting Distal arthrogryposis type 10 studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

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  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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