Understanding Hammertoes: Causes and Risk Factors

Your feet are one of the most essential parts of you. They provide stability and help you balance. If there is something causing pain or problems, you’re going to know it throughout your entire body, and hammertoes are no exception. Dr. Brandi Myers at Sellwood Podiatry in Portland, OR, is here to help you understand foot health and give you some answers on hammertoes.

What Are Hammertoes, and What Causes Them?

Hammertoes is a common condition characterized by a deformity in the middle joint of the smaller toes, making the toe look like a hammer. This condition is usually slowly progressive. Initially, the toe appears to be flexible, but later, it contracts and becomes fixed in position. 

The main reason for the development of hammertoes is that the muscles, tendons, or ligaments responsible for toe straightening are not balanced well. This imbalance puts more stress on the toe joint and is the cause of its bend.

What Risk Factors Lead to Hammertoes?

The most typical risk factor for hammertoes is wearing improper shoes, specifically shoes that are too small or have high heels. This kind of footwear restricts the movement of the toes and applies pressure on the joints and tendons of the toes. Over the years, this pressure will result in deformity. Some other causes include genetics, as people with the gene for hammertoes are likely to develop the disease. Certain diseases like arthritis, diabetes, and other neuromuscular diseases can cause an individual to develop hammertoes. These conditions mainly involve the nerves and muscles, which put them into an imbalance that causes deformity.

Other risks can be attributed to human factors, such as aging. As people age, their tendons become tight, and the natural shock absorbers in their feet wear out, making older adults vulnerable to developing foot deformities such as hammertoes. 

This condition in Portland, OR, can also be caused by direct trauma to the foot, such as stubbing one’s toe or any form of direct trauma to the foot. Abnormal foot biomechanics, such as flat or high-arched feet, can lead to the development of hammertoes because they change the patterns of force placed on the toes.

What if I Need More Answers?

Understanding hammertoes requires a comprehensive examination of factors like footwear, genetics, and underlying medical conditions. Dr. Myers at Sellwood Podiatry in Portland, OR, provides excellent care. You can book an appointment by calling (503) 235-8594.