A Modern Solution for a Pain-Free Step
Minimally Invasive Hammer Toe Surgery: What You Need to Know
If you’re experiencing burning, tingling, or numbness between your toes—especially when walking—you may have Morton’s neuroma. One of the most effective and simple tools for diagnosing this condition is Mulder’s Click Test. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Michigan, we use this test as part of our diagnostic process to identify forefoot problems quickly and accurately.

Minimally Invasive Hammer Toe Surgery Foot & Ankle Surgeon Review
See the PROs & CONs of minimally invasive hammertoe surgery compared to other common types of bunion surgery.
- In the right patient, minimally invasive hammertoe surgery can save $, time and have less pain.
- Minimally invasive hammertoe surgery can prevent scar formation and even allow for faster healing.
- We believe in getting our patients better as FAST as possible and with as little STRESS as possible!
Why Choose Minimally Invasive Surgery for Hammer Toe?
Hammer toe can lead to constant pain, difficulty wearing shoes, and unsightly toe deformity. Traditional surgery often involves long recovery times and more tissue damage. Minimally invasive hammer toe surgery uses small incisions, specialized tools, and advanced imaging to realign the toe with far less trauma. At Balance Foot & Ankle, our board-certified foot surgeons perform this procedure right here in Michigan, helping patients return to normal activities within weeks—not months. It’s an ideal solution for those seeking precision, safety, and fast healing.
Big Toe Joint, Hammer Toe & Bunionette Problems:
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living Today
Don’t let hammer toe hold you back. Schedule your consultation with Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists and explore the power of minimally invasive surgery. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, or simply tired of toe pain, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Pros & Cons of Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery:
The following is a list of the pros & cons of minimally invasive bunion surgery.
PROS of Minimally Invasive Hammer Toe Surgery:
The benefits of minimally invasive hammertoe surgery include:
- Less injury means less trauma. This means faster recovery!
- Quicker recovery due to minimal incisions.
- Less $
- Less risk of infection.
- Minimal blood loss.
- Decreased post-procedure pain means less discomfort.
- Decreased surgery time.
- Procedures are performed under local anesthesia.
- No general anesthesia. Only the treated area is locally anesthetized.
- Quicker return to work and normal activities.
- Less Scarring: Scars can barely be seen. These may range anywhere between 1-3 mm in length.
- Procedures are performed in our state-of-the-art, In-office surgical suite instead of the conventional outpatient or hospital setting.
CONS of Minimally Invasive Hammer Toe Surgery:
- The downside of minimally invasive surgery is that severe deformities may need a larger procedure.
- Extensive arthritis may need plates or screws; this might mean an open approach may be more necessary.
- Minimally invasive surgery allows quicker healing and the best cosmetics, but the amount of correction is not as great.
- A podiatrist should decide with their patient whether or not minimally invasive surgery is the right option for them.
Foot and ankle problems that can be treated with Minimally Invasive Foot and Ankle Surgery:
- Painful or aesthetically unpleasing bunion deformities.
- Minimally invasive bunion surgery.
- Painful or aesthetically unpleasing hammertoe deformities.
- Minimally invasive hammertoe surgery.
Corns & Calluses:
- Painful or aesthetically unpleasing corns or calluses (anywhere in the foot)
- Minimally invasive corn or callus surgery.
Foot Bone Spurs:
- Painful bone spurs.
- Excision of painful bone spurs.
Ball of the Foot Pain:
- Metatarsal pain or metatarsalgia (pain along with the ball of the foot)
- Hammertoe or metatarsal procedures to correct this deformity.
Plantar Fasciitis:
- Heel Pain or plantar fasciitis.
- Tendon or bone spur augmentation procedures.
Achilles Tendonitis:
- Achilles Tendon Pain.
- Haglund bump or spur debridement procedures.
Ankle Pain:
- Ankle Arthritis.
- Bone spur debridement or ankle arthroscopy.
Big toe joint arthritis:
- Big Toe Arthritis (hallux limitus).
- Minimally invasive bone spur shaving of the big toe joint.
Flat Feet:
- Some aspects of flat feet.
- Bunion or tailor’s bunionette minimally invasive surgery.
Wound care or Diabetic Ulcers:
- Ulcer Prevention.
- Shaving of foot deformity or bone spurs.
Minimally invasive foot surgery is now accepted as a medical standard, with numerous high-level publications supporting its usage. More and more physicians believe that it is the choice for treatment whenever possible. The scientific literature supports this.

Top 7 Benefits of Minimally Invasive Hammer Toe Surgery
1. Faster Recovery Time
Patients often return to normal activities sooner due to reduced tissue trauma and shorter healing periods.
2. Reduced Pain and Discomfort
Smaller incisions and less disruption to surrounding tissues typically result in less postoperative pain.
3. Minimal Scarring
The use of small incisions leads to less noticeable scars, enhancing cosmetic outcomes.
4. Lower Risk of Complications
With fewer and smaller incisions, there’s a decreased risk of infection and other complications.
5. Outpatient Procedure
Many minimally invasive surgeries can be performed on an outpatient basis, eliminating the need for hospital stays.
6. Immediate Weight-Bearing
Patients are often able to bear weight on the foot shortly after surgery, facilitating a quicker return to daily activities.
7. Preservation of Toe Function
By minimizing tissue disruption, the procedure helps maintain the natural function and flexibility of the toe.
Minimally Invasive Hammer Toe Surgery Locations:
Areas We Service:
The podiatrists & foot doctors of Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists are available for in office visits, home care and telehealth for the following locations:
Hammer Toe Photo Gallery:
Frequently Asked Questions About Minimally Invasive Hammer Toe Surgery
It’s a surgical technique that corrects hammer toe deformities using small incisions and specialized tools, resulting in less tissue damage and quicker recovery.
Unlike traditional methods that require larger incisions, minimally invasive surgery uses tiny cuts, leading to reduced pain, minimal scarring, and faster healing.
Patients typically experience less postoperative pain compared to traditional surgery, often managing discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Recovery times vary, but many patients return to normal activities within a few weeks, with some walking immediately after the procedure.diablofootankle.com
As with any surgery, risks exist, but the minimally invasive approach generally has a lower risk of complications like infection and prolonged healing.
Physical therapy isn’t always necessary, but your doctor may recommend exercises to aid in recovery and maintain toe flexibility.
While many cases are suitable, your surgeon will assess the severity and flexibility of the deformity to determine the best approach.
Coverage varies by provider and plan; it’s advisable to consult with your insurance company and the surgical center for specifics.
Schedule a consultation with our specialists at Balance Foot & Ankle to evaluate your condition and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.