Guide To The Causes And Risk Factors Of Hammertoe

Improperly Fitting Shoes

Improperly fitting shoes can cause an individual to develop hammertoe. Shoes are designed so an individual's foot can fit inside but still allow enough room for their toes to be fully stretched out. While this is how footwear should fit and be worn, many individuals do not adhere to this. Other mechanisms can stop the toes from being able to fully flex within a shoe, such as shoes that are too narrow. Shoes that are too short to fit on an individual's foot can also cause the toes to be placed into a flexed position when they are worn. Any characteristic of a particular shoe an individual wears repeatedly or on a regular basis that causes their toes to be stuck in a flexed position or puts severe pressure on the toes for some time can cause hammertoe to develop. Women are far more likely to develop hammertoe from this cause. Shoes with a heel that raise the foot higher than two inches in the back are known to place excessive amounts of pressure on the toes. Many heels have a pointy front that is too narrow for the toes to flex inside of properly. Any improperly fitting shoes worn over and over again can be a cause of hammertoe.

Learn more about what causes and increases the risk of hammertoe now.