Hammertoes

Hammertoes are a common foot condition that cause one or more toes to bend abnormally at the middle joint, creating a curled or claw-like appearance. Over time, hammertoes can become stiff, painful, and make it difficult to wear shoes comfortably. While conservative treatments can help relieve discomfort, many patients ultimately need surgery to correct the deformity. The good news is that today’s minimally invasive hammertoe surgery offers smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. Our practice specializes in advanced techniques designed to get you back on your feet with minimal downtime.

foot and ankle from the side

Understanding Hammertoes

A hammertoe develops when the muscles and ligaments around a toe become imbalanced, causing the joint to bend downward. This imbalance can be flexible at first but may become rigid and painful if left untreated. Hammertoes most often affect the second, third, or fourth toes and can lead to painful corns, calluses, and difficulty finding shoes that fit.

What Causes Hammertoes?

Hammertoes can form for several reasons, including:
  • Wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes
  • Muscle imbalance due to flat feet or high arches
  • Arthritis and other joint conditions
  • Previous trauma or injury to the toes
  • Genetics and inherited foot structure

Common Symptoms of Hammertoes

  • Toes that curl or bend downward abnormally
  • Pain or irritation when wearing shoes
  • Corns, calluses, or blisters from friction
  • Stiffness or reduced flexibility in the affected toe
  • Difficulty walking comfortably

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Hammertoes

Conservative treatments may relieve symptoms and slow progression but will not reverse the deformity. These may include:
  • Wider, more comfortable footwear
  • Custom orthotics to improve alignment
  • Padding to reduce friction from shoes
  • Anti-inflammatory medications or injections for pain relief
  • Toe exercises to maintain flexibility in early stages

Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Surgery

When hammertoes become painful, rigid, or limit daily activities, surgery is often the most effective solution. Unlike traditional open surgery, minimally invasive hammertoe surgery uses tiny incisions and specialized instruments to correct the deformity with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Surgery:

  • Small incisions with less scarring
  • Reduced pain and swelling after surgery
  • Faster recovery and earlier return to normal activity
  • Improved cosmetic appearance of the toes
  • Long-term relief from pain and pressure
Most patients are able to walk the same day of surgery in a protective shoe, with significantly quicker healing compared to traditional techniques.
Click To Learn More About Minimally Invasive Surgery

Why Patients Choose Our Practice

We are proud to offer minimally invasive solutions for hammertoes, using modern technology and personalized care to achieve excellent outcomes. Our approach focuses on reducing pain, restoring function, and helping you get back to a more active, comfortable lifestyle — all with less downtime.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Don’t let hammertoe pain or stiffness keep you from living comfortably. Call our office today to schedule your consultation and find out if minimally invasive hammertoe surgery or conservative treatment is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hammertoes be corrected without surgery?

No. Conservative care can relieve pain and pressure but will not reverse the deformity. Surgery is the only way to permanently correct hammertoes.

What makes minimally invasive hammertoe surgery different from traditional surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery uses tiny incisions and specialized instruments, leading to less tissue damage, less pain, and quicker recovery than open surgery.

How long is recovery after minimally invasive hammertoe surgery?

Most patients can walk in a protective shoe the same day and return to normal activities within 4–6 weeks, much faster than traditional surgery.

Are there risks with minimally invasive hammertoe surgery?

As with any surgery, there are risks, but minimally invasive techniques reduce the chances of complications like infection, stiffness, or prolonged swelling.

Who is a good candidate for minimally invasive hammertoe surgery?

Patients with painful or rigid hammertoes that interfere with walking, shoe wear, or daily activities are typically good candidates.

Will the hammertoe come back after surgery?

When performed properly and combined with supportive footwear, minimally invasive surgery provides excellent long-term results with a very low recurrence rate.

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