What are the causes of Hammer Toes?
The cause of Hammer Toes is when a toe becomes misshapen and bends downwards. This usually occurs in any or all of the lesser toes from the second to the fith. When condition happens in the big toe it is called a Trigger Toe. One of the most common causes of Hammer Toes is wearing poorly fitting shoes. Most shoes are designed to be biggest where the big toe is, however, sometimes the second toe is actually longer than the bigger toe, which causes it to be distorted in some shoes. Pointed shoes and high heels can result in Hammer Toes developing. Other causes of Hammer Toes are trauma to any one, or all of, the toes, and a stiff tendon that stops a toe from resting flat and pulls it upwards instead. Other foot conditions can cause Hammer Toes, including Flat Feet and Bunions. Another cause of Hammer Toes is hereditary factors, such as a muscle imbalance in the toes and high arched feet where the tendon on the top of the foot pulls back on the toes.
