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Hammer Toe Surgery

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity that affects the toes, often causing pain and discomfort, especially when wearing shoes. Left untreated, hammertoe can worsen over time and interfere with daily activities.

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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Topic at a Glance

  • Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes bend at the middle joint, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty wearing shoes.
  • Early-stage (flexible) hammertoe can often be treated without surgery, while more advanced cases may require surgical correction.
  • Hammertoe surgery includes procedures like tendon lengthening, tendon transfer, or joint fusion to restore proper toe alignment.
  • Recovery typically takes a few weeks, with most patients experiencing reduced pain and improved function after healing.

Related Services

Our Hammertoe Correction Specialists

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 Hammer Toe?

A hammer toe deformity affects the lesser toes, particularly the second, third, or fourth toes. It is identifiable by a bend in the middle joint, making the toe look like a hammer. In more advanced cases, the toes stay rigid and may remain bent upward, making non-surgical correction difficult.

In the early stages of the condition, hammer toes are flexible. This allows them to be corrected with conservative treatments. If the condition is left for a long period, it may require surgery to correct it.

What Causes a Hammer Toe to Form?

The muscles in your toes work together to straighten and bend your toes. If these muscles become imbalanced, the toe can bend into the hammer-like position. These forces can put pressure on the tendons and joints over time and cause the toe to remain in this position.

One of the most common reasons for the muscle imbalance to occur is wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. Narrow shoes cause the smaller toes to be flexed in the bent position. This can lead to secondary conditions such as corns and calluses, which make the condition worse.

Shoes with higher heels can also contribute to the imbalanced forces in your toes.

In some cases, the muscles in the toes weaken over time. Eventually, the muscles have no strength to straighten the toe.

Signs and Symptoms of a Hammer Toe

The telltale sign of hammer toe is the bend in the middle joint of the toe. Other symptoms include the following:

  • Pain, especially when wearing shoes or when active
  • Inability to straighten the toe
  • Swelling and redness
  • Difficulty walking
  • Corns or calluses in the middle of the toe joint, where it has raised up
A woman at the doctor getting her foot examined after fully recovering from Hammer Toe Surgery in Ohio.

What is Hammertoe Surgery?

There are a few different procedures to treat hammertoe. It is usually reserved for severe cases where the joint is rigid and cannot be treated with non-surgical treatments.

The different procedures for hammer toe include the following:

Tendon Lengthening

If you still have flexible hammertoe, the tendons can be lengthened to correct the joint imbalance.

Tendon Transfer

This treatment may also help those with some flexibility in their toe joint. The tendons from the bottom of the toes are transferred to the top to correct the balance in the toe and pull the toe into a straight position.

Arthrodesis (Joint Fusion)

This type of procedure can help those with a rigid toe joint. It may be combined with a tendon lengthening procedure to restore the toe to a more natural position. In order to fuse the joint, the surgeon will remove a part of the bone in the joint to allow the toe bones to line up in the correct position. Once extended, a pin or wire, perhaps with a metal plate, is used to keep the toe straight while the toe bones fuse together.

Potential Risks and Complications of Hammertoe Surgery

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 blood loss during or after the procedure (rare)
  • Blood clots (rare)
  • Scar tissue
  • Stiffness or limited mobility in the toe
  • Recurrence of the deformity

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

When is Hammer Toe Surgery Necessary?

You may need Hammer Toe surgery if your toe joint has become rigid or if the condition has not improved after trying the following conservative treatments:

  • Wearing shoes that have a one-half-inch space in front of your longest toe.
  • Over-the-counter splints and pads
  • Orthotics such as shoe inserts and special shoes
  • 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. If you have problems such as diabetes or poor circulation, then surgery may not be ideal 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

Most surgical procedures for hammer toe are performed as an outpatient treatment under local anesthesia. You can usually return home the same day.

Hammer Toe Surgery Recovery

There may be stiffness and swelling in your toe for up to 4 to 6 weeks following hammertoe surgery.

You should try to limit the pressure you put on your toe for a few weeks until the toe heals. Keeping your foot elevated above the level of your heart will help speed recovery and reduce pain.

You may notice that your toe is shorter or longer after surgery. If you had a fusion procedure, you will not be able to bend your toe following surgery.

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, FACFAS

FAQs About Hammer Toe Surgery

Most patients experience minimal pain during the procedure due to anesthesia. Some discomfort is normal during recovery, but it can be managed with medication and proper care.

Initial recovery usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, though full healing may take longer depending on the procedure and individual health.

While surgery is highly effective, there is a small risk of recurrence, especially if contributing factors like improper footwear are not addressed.

Yes, most patients are required to wear a special shoe or protective footwear for a few weeks to support healing and reduce pressure on the toe.

Yes, early-stage hammertoe can often be managed with orthotics, exercises, splints, and proper footwear. Surgery is typically recommended only when these treatments are no longer effective.

Our Hammertoe Correction Specialists

TERRENCE M. PHILBIN, DO

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

MARK A. PRISSEL, DPM

Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Foot & Ankle Surgeon

RANDALL C. THOMAS JR., DPM

Board Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon

COREY J. GRIFFITH, DPM

Board Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon

JUSTIN R. HUDSON, DPM, CWS

Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon and Wound Specialist

LYNETTE R. MEHL, DPM

Board Certified Podiatric Physician, Clinical Podiatrist

SARAH ABSHIER, DPM, CWS

Clinical Podiatrist, Certified Wound Specialist
Dr. Robert Brandao

ROBERTO A. BRANDÃO, DPM

Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Foot & Ankle Surgeon
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