Hammertoe Surgery: Is It Necessary and What Should You Expect?

At Austin Podiatry, we know how frustrating and painful hammertoes can be, especially when they start to affect your daily life. Our skilled podiatrists, Dr. Mark Robson, Dr. David Liou, and Dr. Thanh Nguyen, are here to help. With offices in Austin, Kyle, and Buda, TX, we provide expert care for hammertoes, including surgery when it is needed. If you are struggling with hammertoes, we are ready to guide you through the process and help you find relief.

When Surgery Becomes Necessary

Hammertoes happen when one of the smaller toes bends at the middle joint, causing it to curl downward instead of lying flat. This condition can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty wearing shoes. In many cases, hammertoes can be managed with treatments like supportive footwear, orthotics, or stretching exercises. However, surgery may be necessary if the toe becomes rigid and cannot straighten, if pain continues despite other treatments, or if corns, calluses, or sores develop from the toe rubbing against shoes. Surgery may also be needed if the condition makes walking or daily activities difficult. If you are experiencing these issues, a podiatrist can help determine if surgery is the right option for you.

What Happens During Hammertoe Surgery

Hammertoe surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day. The type of surgery depends on how severe the hammertoe is. For less severe cases, the surgeon may release or lengthen the tendons to allow the toe to straighten. For more advanced cases, a small piece of bone may be removed to correct the alignment of the toe. Sometimes, pins or other devices are used temporarily to hold the toe in place while it heals.

The procedure is typically done with local anesthesia, so you will be awake but will not feel pain in the area being treated. Recovery times vary depending on the surgery, but most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks. Your podiatrist will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your foot during recovery. This may include keeping weight off the foot, managing swelling, and gradually resuming activity.

Expert Care at Austin Podiatry

At Austin Podiatry, we provide personalized care for hammertoes. If surgery is needed, our team will carefully evaluate your condition and recommend the best procedure for your situation. We will guide you through every step of the process, from preparing for surgery to recovering afterward. Our goal is to relieve your pain, improve your mobility, and help you get back to the activities you enjoy. Visit us online at Austin Podiatry to learn more.