Hammer toe is a deformity of the toe, in which the end of the
toe is bent downward. Hammer toe usually affects the second toe.
However, it may also affect the other toes. The toe moves into a
claw-like position. The most common cause of hammer toe is
wearing short, narrow shoes that are too tight. The toe is
forced into a bent position. Muscles and tendons in the toe
tighten and become shorter. Hammer toe is more likely to occur
in: