What causes a hammertoe?
The most common cause of hammertoe is wearing ill-fitting shoes. Shoes that are too small or too tight can force the toes into a bent position and cause the muscles and tendons to become too tight. This condition can become permanent if the shoe continues to be worn. Another common cause of hammertoe is genetics. People who have relatives that suffer from hammertoe may be more likely to develop it themselves.
This is because certain genetic conditions can make the toes more susceptible to muscle and tendon problems which can lead to hammertoe. Additionally, some birth defects can cause the toes to be shorter or the tendons to be less flexible, which can lead to a hammertoe.