What causes hammer, claw, and mallet toes?
Tight shoes are the most common cause of these toe problems. Wearing tight shoes can cause the toe muscles to get out of balance. Two muscles work together to straighten and bend the toes. If a shoe forces a toe to stay in a bent position for too long, the muscles tighten and the tendons shorten (contract). This makes it harder to straighten the toe. Over time, the toe muscles cannot straighten the toe, even if you are not wearing shoes. Less common causes include: · Problems in foot structure at birth. This may run in families. · Joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. · Brain, spinal cord, or nerve injury (especially in the case of claw toe). Examples include stroke, cerebral palsy, and degenerative disc disease. · Not using your toe. Having to stay in bed for a long period of time may cause muscles to shorten (contractures). This may lead to toe problems. · Poor blood flow to your feet (peripheral arterial disease). · Having little or no “feeling” in your feet (peripheral neur
