What Causes a Hammertoe?

While ill-fitting shoes may contribute to a hammertoe, "shoes don't [actually] cause it," says Mauser. "Hammertoes occur by the pull and stretch of the tendon. One tendon gets a more mechanical advantage over the other and allows the deformity to occur."

Not surprisingly, wearing shoes that are too tight can make a hammertoe worse. If you're fond of narrow, pointy-toed shoes or high-heeled pumps, keep in mind you're squeezing those toes and tendons, which may aggravate hammertoes.

Several other factors can play a role in the development of hammertoes, such as "biomechanical imbalances, arthritis, stroke, diabetes, and neuromuscular conditions," notes Timothy C. Ford, DPM, director of the podiatric residency program at Jewish Hospital and St. Mary's HealthCare in Louisville, Ky. Dr. Ford recommends that patients with hammertoe symptoms visit a podiatrist as soon as possible to determine the cause.

A simple foot injury, for instance, can also lead to a hammertoe — if you stub or break your toe, poor healing can result in a hammertoe. Additionally, hammertoes may run in families and can be inherited.

While there are a number of causes, there aren't many specific risk factors for hammertoes, notes Mauser. "Women tend to get these problems more than men, but they occur without rhyme or reason," he says. Diabetics, however, are more likely to get a hammertoe if they have underlying nerve damage in the toes and feet.

Source: everydayhealth

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