Hammertoe surgery may be considered when a rigid or painful toe continues to cause pressure despite nonsurgical care.
A hammertoe is a toe that bends at one or more joints. Early or flexible deformities may improve with wider shoes, padding, toe exercises, or orthotics. Surgery may be discussed when the toe becomes rigid, remains painful, develops recurrent corns or wounds, or makes shoes and daily activity difficult.
The procedure is selected according to which joints are involved, whether the toe is flexible or rigid, and whether the toe joint at the ball of the foot is unstable. Surgery may release tight tissue, rebalance a tendon, remove a small portion of bone, fuse a joint, or correct associated instability.
The surgeon examines toe alignment, skin pressure, circulation, sensation, joint motion, and the rest of the foot. Weight bearing X-rays may be used to evaluate bone and joint position. Bunions, plantar plate injury, or metatarsal overload may need to be addressed as part of the same plan.
Recovery varies by procedure. No operation can guarantee a specific cosmetic result or eliminate every risk of stiffness, swelling, recurrence, or ongoing discomfort.
Learn about hammertoes, bunion surgery, and custom orthotics.
No. The diagnosis, health history, previous care, treatment goals, and possible risks all affect whether this option should be considered.
The schedule depends on the treatment and how the condition responds. You will receive a plan for follow up rather than a guaranteed number of visits.
The diagnosis and plan should be reassessed. Another treatment, additional testing, a period of protection, or a specialist discussion may be appropriate.
Signature Foot and Ankle provides care in Boynton Beach and Loxahatchee. Call 561 203 9285 or request an appointment online.
