Definition
Hammer / mallet toes are toes that do not have the right shape. They may look odd or hurt. The muscles that control your toes get out of balance and cause the toe to bend into an odd position at one or more joints. Can be best described as an abnormal contraction or "buckling" of a toe.
Cause
Tight shoes are the most common cause of these toe problems. Wearing tight shoes can cause the toe muscles to get out of balance.
High arched feet can also result in buckling toes.
A major cause is in hereditary (family), all the toe conditions mentioned could be acquired due in hereditary factors.
Treatment & Prevention
Wearing footwear with lots of room for your toes, using pads and supports in the shoe, and doing toe-stretching exercises.
Make sure that stockings, tights and socks are not too constrictive.
Non-medicated pads may relieve pressure away from corns and hard skin.
Applying an appropriate moisturizing cream will help to keep the skin soft.
