.png)
A smaller surgery for a faster, easier recovery. DD Podiatry straightens painful, curled toes with tiny incisions, precise tendon release, and a quick return to normal shoes — with less pain and scarring than traditional open surgery.
If a hammertoe is rubbing against your shoes, curling under, or making it painful to walk, you don't have to settle for the long recovery of traditional open surgery. DD Podiatry's minimally invasive approach releases the tight tendon and realigns the toe through incisions just a few millimeters long.
Specialized instruments allow your surgeon to release the contracted tendon and realign the toe joint through tiny incisions — instead of cutting a long incision across the top of the toe like traditional open surgery.
Incisions are typically just a few millimeters, which preserves healthy tissue and blood supply while still fully correcting the joint contracture.
Many hammertoe corrections are performed with a percutaneous tendon release combined with precise joint realignment, restoring a straighter, more natural toe position.
Most patients walk out of the office in a protective surgical shoe the same day — no cast and no crutches required in many cases.
Because incisions are so small, scarring is minimal and often barely visible once healed — a major improvement in cosmetic outcome over traditional surgery.
Performed in-office or at a surgical center under local anesthesia with sedation — no hospital stay required.
See the difference minimally invasive correction makes — actual before-and-after results from DD Podiatry patients.
A hammertoe is an abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe, most often the second, third, or fourth toe, caused by a muscle and tendon imbalance. Left untreated, hammertoes tend to become more rigid over time.
Hammertoes develop when the tendons that bend and straighten the toe fall out of balance, pulling the middle joint into a permanent bent position. Tight shoes, foot structure, and conditions like bunions can contribute.
Without treatment, hammertoes typically progress from a flexible bend to a rigid contracture — leading to increasing pain, corns, calluses, and difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably.
When conservative options like roomier shoes, toe splints, and padding no longer relieve your pain, minimally invasive surgery offers a lasting correction with a much easier recovery than traditional open methods.
Patients across Bethesda, McLean, and surrounding communities choose DD Podiatry's minimally invasive approach for these reasons
Tiny incisions mean less trauma to surrounding tissue and significantly less scarring than an open approach.
Less soft tissue disruption means a more comfortable recovery compared to traditional hammertoe surgery.
Many patients return to regular shoes in 3–5 weeks, compared to 6–8 weeks with traditional open surgery.
Minimal scarring and a straighter, more natural-looking toe once fully healed.
Preserving healthy soft tissue and circulation supports smoother healing and reduces surgical risk.
Performed in-office or at a surgical center — no hospital stay required, and most patients walk out the same day.
A simple, guided process from your first consultation to a straighter, pain-free toe
Your board-certified podiatrist evaluates your toe's flexibility, reviews imaging, and builds a personalized surgical plan tailored to your anatomy.
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation using precise micro-incision technique to release the tendon and realign the joint.
Most patients walk out in a surgical shoe the same day. Stitches may be minimal, and swelling is significantly reduced compared to open surgery.
Once healed, patients enjoy a straighter toe, less rubbing against shoes, and the ability to comfortably wear a wider variety of footwear.
Two convenient locations serving Montgomery County, MD and Northern Virginia with expert minimally invasive hammertoe correction
📍 Address: 6316 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817
📞 Phone: (301) 363-2676
🕒 Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Serving Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Rockville, Gaithersburg, and surrounding Montgomery County areas with minimally invasive hammertoe surgery.
📍 Address: 6849 Old Dominion Dr #220, McLean, VA 22101
📞 Phone: (703) 902-0417
🕒 Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Conveniently located in McLean serving Northern Virginia, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax County communities.
Everything you need to know about minimally invasive hammertoe surgery
Traditional surgery requires a larger incision and often removal of a section of bone through an open approach. Minimally invasive surgery uses tiny incisions and specialized instruments to release the tendon and realign the joint with less trauma, resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
Yes. Most patients are able to walk in a protective surgical shoe on the same day of surgery. This is a major advantage over traditional methods, which often require a longer period of limited weight-bearing.
Recovery varies, but many patients return to regular shoes in 3–5 weeks, compared to 6–8 weeks with traditional surgery. Swelling may continue to improve for several months.
Yes. Minimally invasive techniques release the tight tendon and realign the joint just as effectively as open surgery, but with the added benefits of smaller incisions and quicker recovery.
Scarring is minimal, often only a few millimeters in size, and fades significantly over time. For most patients, scars are barely noticeable.
Patients with a painful, rigid, or rubbing hammertoe that limits daily activity or footwear choices are usually good candidates. Severe deformities or certain medical conditions may require a different approach. Your doctor will determine the best option after an evaluation.
Some cases use a temporary internal or external pin to hold the toe in position while it heals; others are corrected with tendon release alone. Your surgical plan will be tailored to your specific case.
Coverage varies by plan. Our team will help you understand your options and navigate your benefits before scheduling surgery.
Schedule a consultation with our board-certified podiatrists and find out if minimally invasive hammertoe surgery is right for you.
.png)
.png)
.png)