Hammertoe Surgery: Procedure, Recovery, and What Results to Expect

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

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Hammertoe surgery is one of the most commonly performed forefoot procedures in podiatric surgery — and for patients with painful, rigid deformities that have failed conservative care, it produces excellent functional and cosmetic results. Understanding the two main surgical approaches and what recovery looks like helps patients prepare for the best possible outcome.

What Is a Hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a flexion contracture at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the lesser toes — most commonly the second toe. The toe buckles at the middle joint, producing a “hammer” shape. In flexible hammertoes (early stage), the toe can still be straightened manually. In rigid hammertoes (advanced stage), the contracture is fixed. Conservative treatment (orthotics, wider footwear, toe splints, cortisone injections for associated bursitis) is effective primarily for flexible hammertoes; rigid hammertoes typically require surgery when causing pain or skin breakdown.

Surgical Options

Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthroplasty (PIP Resection)

The head of the proximal phalanx is surgically resected (removed), creating a mobile joint at the PIP level. The toe straightens and shortened in length. A temporary K-wire (pin) is passed through the toe for 3–4 weeks to maintain alignment during healing. This is preferred for older, lower-demand patients and when maintaining some toe flexibility is desired.

Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis (PIP Fusion)

The joint surfaces are prepared and the PIP joint is fused in a straight position using an intramedullary implant (Smart Toe, StayFuse, or similar) or K-wire. Fusion produces a permanently straight, stable toe with better long-term deformity correction than arthroplasty — preferred for younger, active patients and severe deformities. The toe will be permanently stiff at the middle joint, which most patients find acceptable given the pre-operative deformity.

What Happens During Hammertoe Surgery

Hammertoe correction is typically performed as an outpatient (same-day) procedure under local anesthesia with IV sedation. The procedure for a single toe takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Multiple hammertoes can be corrected simultaneously. A dorsal incision over the PIP joint provides access for the correction. The toe is splinted or buddy-taped at closure.

Recovery Timeline

• Days 0–2: Surgical dressing, keep foot elevated, partial weight-bearing in a flat surgical shoe
• Days 2–14: Surgical shoe ambulation; suture removal at 10–14 days; pin removal at 3–4 weeks if K-wire was used
• Weeks 3–6: Transition to comfortable wider-toed footwear; swelling begins to subside
• Months 2–3: Return to athletic footwear; most swelling resolved
• Months 3–6: Final result — residual toe swelling fully resolved

Most patients are pleased with the functional and cosmetic result. The most common patient feedback: “I wish I had done it sooner.” The most common complaint: longer-than-expected swelling (normal).

Hammertoe Surgery — What to Expect at Balance Foot & Ankle

Considering hammertoe surgery? Our podiatric surgeons perform minimally invasive hammertoe correction with predictable outcomes and faster recovery times.

Learn About Our Hammertoe Treatment Options → | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

1. Coughlin MJ, et al. Operative treatment of fixed hammertoe deformity. Foot & Ankle International, 2000;21(2):94-104.
2. Klammer G, et al. Percutaneous fixation of proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis. Foot & Ankle International, 2013;34(11):1521-1527.
3. Kramer WC, et al. Hammertoe correction with K-wire fixation. Foot & Ankle International, 2015;36(5):494-502.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

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Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

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Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

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More Podiatrist-Recommended Hammertoe Essentials

Hammertoe Gel Cushions

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Protects the raised knuckle from corn/callus formation in closed shoes.

Metatarsal Pad

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Shifts pressure off the toe joint — reduces the tendon imbalance.

Wide-Toe-Box Walking Shoe

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Roomy forefoot accommodates the curled toe and prevents friction pain.

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When to See a Podiatrist

Rigid hammertoes don’t reduce with splinting alone — the tendon and capsule have contracted. If the toe no longer straightens passively, surgical correction restores alignment in one short outpatient visit. Call Balance Foot & Ankle to see whether your deformity is still flexible (and responsive to the conservative tools above) or if it’s time for a 20-minute in-office correction.

Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402  ·  Book online  ·  Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.