Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
Hammertoe Surgery: Procedure, Recovery, and What Results to relates to toe deformity — typically caused by imbalanced muscles + footwear. Most patients improve in depends on severity with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp: (810) 206-1402.
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).
Painful Bent Toes? There’s a Fix.
Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle performs hammertoe correction with modern minimally invasive techniques and same-day outpatient surgery. Serving Howell, Brighton, Bloomfield Hills, and SE Michigan.
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Howell, MI 48843
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Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Hammertoe Essentials
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New Balance 990v6 — accommodates curled toes without pressure.
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PowerStep Pinnacle — reduces forefoot pressure that drives hammertoe.
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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
In Our Clinic
Hammertoes come to our clinic in two flavors: flexible (the toe still passively straightens) and rigid (it doesn’t). For flexible hammertoes we use gel toe crests, roomier toe boxes, custom orthotics to address the underlying instability, and sometimes night splints. Rigid hammertoes with a corn on top of the PIP joint, or a callus under the metatarsal head, usually need a minor outpatient procedure (PIP arthroplasty or fusion) to straighten the toe. The patients who wait too long develop fixed deformities and skin breakdown — we would much rather address a flexible hammertoe early.
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Post-op alignment support.
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Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills · 4.9★ (1,123+ reviews)
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When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Tom Biernacki and the team at Balance Foot & Ankle offer advanced, same-day options — including Hammertoe Treatment Michigan at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics.
Same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
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Podiatrist-recommended products
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Pre-surgery hammertoe relief.
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Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills · 4.9★ (1,123+ reviews)
☎ (810) 206-1402Book Online →Watch: Dr. Tom explains
Podiatrist-recommended products
As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.
Standard post-op footwear.
View on Amazon →Pre-surgical trial.
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Ready to solve this? Book today.
Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills · 4.9★ (1,123+ reviews)
☎ (810) 206-1402Book Online →Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
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About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
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.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)