It is a mild deformity in the toes in which there may be the presence of slight bend. The toe becomes curled because of this bend which is usually present in the middle of joints. Mallet toe is not the same as hammer toe since it affects the upper joint of the toe. The main reason for getting hammer toe is wearing tight shoes or using high heels. Due to subsequent pressure exerted by the shoes, the toe gradually bend forward causing hammer like appearance.
Hammer Toe Causes
Wearing wrong size shoes and overly tight shoes are the main cause for hammer toe. Hammer toe is mostly found in second toe and is prevalent in women who wear short shoes and high-heeled shoes. Sometimes it also occurs on children who wear the same old shoes even when they are grown.
Foot injury or trauma in which the toe gets damaged causing hammertoe. Even diabetics can cause serious changes in the nerve of the toe joints.