Hammer Toe Surgery

Hammertoe is a common foot condition that can cause discomfort and interfere with daily activities. It occurs when one or more toes become bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. Left untreated, hammertoe can lead to pain, calluses, or sores due to friction with shoes.

At Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Greater Columbus, we specialize in helping patients find relief from foot conditions like hammertoe. Contact us today to book a consultation!

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Our Hammertoe Correction Specialists

CHRISTOPHER F. HYER, DPM

COREY J. GRIFFITH, DPM

GREGORY C. BERLET, MD

JUSTIN R. HUDSON, DPM, CWS

LYNETTE R. MEHL, DPM

MARK A. PRISSEL, DPM

PATRICK E. BULL, DO

RANDALL C. THOMAS JR., DPM

ROBERTO A. BRANDÃO, DPM

SARAH ABSHIER, DPM, CWS

TERRENCE M. PHILBIN, DO

Do I Need Surgery?

Visiting an orthopedic surgeon doesn’t mean that surgery is necessary. Our orthopedic doctors always prefer to use non-surgical procedures to treat injuries.

What Our Patients Say

“Surgery and recovery going as expected. Staff and scheduling are very accommodating. So far so good 👍.” — Korrina D.

What is a Hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a deformity that affects the second, third, or fourth toe. The condition causes the toe to bend upward at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like appearance. Over time, this unnatural bend can stiffen, making it challenging to move or straighten the toe. Toe muscles may also become tight or weakened as a result of this condition, worsening the deformity. In more severe cases, the toe may become fixed in this position.

What Causes a Hammer Toe to Form?

Hammer toe is caused by a muscle imbalance in the toe muscles. These muscles work together to straighten and bend the toes. If a toe is bent for too long, the muscles and joints stiffen, making it hard to keep the toe straight.

Several factors can contribute to the development of a hammertoe, including:

Improper Footwear: Shoes that are too tight, narrow, or have high heels can squeeze the toes and force them into an unnatural position, especially if the toe box is too small.
Foot Structure: People with flat feet, high arches, or other foot abnormalities are more likely to develop hammertoe.
Arthritis: Joint inflammation can weaken the muscles and tendons in the toe, contributing to the deformity.

Signs and Symptoms of a Hammer Toe

The signs and symptoms of hammertoe can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

A noticeable bend in the toe joint
Pain or discomfort, especially when wearing shoes
Corns or calluses on the top of the toe from friction
Redness, swelling, or irritation in the affected area
Difficulty moving or straightening the toe

What is Hammertoe Surgery?

Hammertoe surgery is a corrective outpatient procedure aimed at realigning the affected toe and relieving associated symptoms. There are different surgical techniques, depending on the severity of the deformity.

In less severe cases, a tendon transfer or release may be performed to allow the toe to straighten. For more advanced deformities, bone removal or joint fusion may be necessary to restore normal toe positioning.

Hammertoe surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day. The goal is to relieve pain, improve foot function, and allow the toe to straighten for better alignment.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, hammertoe surgery carries certain risks. While most patients experience positive outcomes, potential complications include:

Infection at the surgical site
Nerve damage, leading to numbness or tingling
Excessive bleeding
Scarring
Stiffness or limited mobility in the toe
Recurrence of the deformity

Your orthopedic surgeons will discuss these risks with you before the procedure and take steps to minimize them.

When is Hammer Toe Surgery Necessary?

Hammer Toe surgery is typically considered when conservative hammer toe treatment options do not improve the condition over time.

Wearing shoes that have one-half inch space in front of your longest toe.
Over-the-counter splints and pads
Orthotics such as shoe inserts
Exercises to help stretch and strengthen the muscles in your foot
Taping and strapping

Would I Make a Good Candidate for Hammertoe Surgery?

You may be a good candidate for hammertoe surgery if:

Pain has significantly impacted your quality of life, making it difficult to participate in normal activities
You cannot wear shoes comfortably
You have multiple foot problems, including bunions, corns, etc., and your foot and ankle surgeon recommends treating all of them within the same operation
Skin is breaking down from rubbing in your shoes or causing a pre-wound

Your surgeon will evaluate your condition and overall health to determine if surgery is the best option for you.

How Can I Prepare for Hammertoe Surgery?

Preparing for hammertoe surgery involves a few simple steps to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery. You can prepare for hammer toe surgery by:

Deciding whether you want the procedure to be performed under local anesthesia, twilight anesthesia, or general anesthesia.
Scheduling enough time off from work so that you can make a full recovery.
Arranging for someone to drive you home, especially if the surgery is going to be performed on your right foot.
Making arrangements to have assistance with housework and other necessary activities.

What to Expect During Hammertoe Correction

You can expect not to have any pain during your surgery. There will be some discomfort after surgery. However, this is usually well tolerated as patients have dealt with the pain in the toes for some time before surgery.

Depending on the severity of your condition, your surgeon will perform one of the three following surgical procedures:

Tendon transfer: During this procedure, the tendon at the bottom of the toe will be transferred across the top of the joint. This changes your toe from being into the bent position into the straight position, improving the appearance and reducing discomfort.
Joint resection: During this procedure, your surgeon will cut specific ligaments and tendons to assist in straightening the joint. They may also remove a portion of your bone. To keep your toe straight and in place, your surgeon may insert temporary pins or implants.
Fusion: This surgery is recommended for severe cases where portions of the toe (tendons, ligaments, and the ends of the bone) will be removed. As with joint resection, your surgeon will use pins or implants to hold the joint in place and allow the bones to grow (fuse together). This can help reduce pain while straightening your toe.

Hammer Toe Surgery Recovery

The recovery time for hammer toe surgery will vary from person to person. It is normal to have swelling. Typically, any stitches or temporary pins will be removed a few weeks after surgery. Depending on your procedure, the internal pins or implants may remain in place long-term.

Your doctor will recommend specific exercises for you to perform to help you improve your strength and heal. Post-operation instructions usually include:

Possibly wearing a shoe insert or a special shoe to support your toe
Avoiding putting weight on your foot, which could be for a short time, such as 24 hours or up to several weeks after the surgery
Keeping your foot elevated
Medications such as antibiotics, pain control, anti-coagulants
Physical therapy

If you have a history of hammer toe, there is a possibility that it can develop again. To lower your risk and avoid other possible complications, it is imperative to wear comfortable footwear and follow all the instructions you receive to protect your toe during your recovery. With advancements in surgical techniques, the recurrence rate of hammertoes has significantly decreased.

Take the Next Step Toward Pain-Free Feet

If you’re struggling with the discomfort and limitations caused by hammertoe, Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center is here to help. Our expert surgeons offer advanced treatments, including reconstructive surgery, to relieve your pain and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options for hammertoe correction!

Medically reviewed by Roberto A. Brandão, DPM

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