When is Hammertoe Surgery Necessary? 6 Signs You May Need Surgery

If you have a painful hammertoe or notice your toe getting worse, you may be wondering if you need surgery. A hammertoe is a common foot problem that causes one or more toes to bend or curl abnormally. It can develop for several reasons, including genetics, aging, foot structure, uncomfortable shoes, injury, muscle imbalance, or certain health conditions.

The good news is that not every hammertoe requires surgery. Depending on its severity, symptoms may be managed with better-fitting shoes, more room in the toe box, or custom orthotics. However, if pain persists or your toe continues to worsen, it may be time to consider surgical treatment.

Here are six signs that you should talk to a podiatrist about hammertoe surgery.

1. Is the Hammertoe Painful?

Pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek treatment for a hammertoe. A bent toe can rub against the inside of your shoe, creating pressure and friction around the affected joint. This may cause pain, soreness, redness, swelling, or irritation, particularly when walking or wearing certain shoes.

If your hammertoe is consistently painful or conservative treatments have not provided enough relief, a podiatrist can examine your foot and determine whether surgical or nonsurgical treatment may be appropriate.

2. Is the Hammertoe Becoming Rigid or Worsening?

Hammertoes can change over time. An early hammertoe may remain flexible, while a more advanced deformity can become increasingly stiff or rigid. As the toe becomes less flexible, it may become more difficult to straighten or move comfortably.

A worsening hammertoe can also create additional pressure inside your shoes and affect the way your foot functions when you walk. An examination and X-rays can help your podiatrist determine the severity of the deformity and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

3. Are Shoes Becoming Difficult to Wear?

Finding comfortable shoes can become challenging when you have a hammertoe. The bent toe may rub against the top or end of your shoe, resulting in pressure, friction, and discomfort.

Wearing shoes with a wider, more comfortable toe box may help reduce pressure on the affected toe. However, if you continue to have difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably because of your hammertoe, it may be time to have the condition evaluated.

4. Are Corns or Calluses Developing?

Corns and calluses can develop when a hammertoe repeatedly rubs against or presses into your footwear. The abnormal position of the toe can create pressure points that cause thickened, irritated areas of skin.

Treating a corn or callus may provide temporary relief, but it does not correct the underlying hammertoe deformity. If corns or calluses continue to return in the same area, your podiatrist can evaluate the cause and discuss treatment options.

5. Have Nonsurgical Treatments Failed?

Not every hammertoe requires surgery. Depending on the severity of the condition, conservative treatment may include properly fitting shoes with a roomy toe box, footwear modifications, and custom orthotics to help manage pain and pressure.

If these treatments do not provide adequate relief and you continue to experience pain, difficulty wearing shoes, or other symptoms, your podiatrist may discuss hammertoe surgery with you.

Dr. Joel Foster offers minimally invasive hammertoe surgery designed to correct the deformity without traditional joint fusion, joint resection, or hardware. Minimally invasive techniques may allow for less pain and a faster recovery compared with traditional open surgery, although the appropriate approach depends on each patient's individual condition.

Click here to learn more about minimally invasive hammertoe correction surgery.

6. Is the Toe Interfering With Walking or Daily Activities?

A hammertoe can affect more than your choice of footwear. Pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, and pressure on the toe may make walking and other everyday activities uncomfortable.

If your hammertoe is interfering with walking, exercise, work, or activities you enjoy, it may be time to see a podiatrist. An evaluation can help identify the severity of the deformity and determine which treatment options may help you return to more comfortable daily activities.

When Should You See a Podiatrist for Your Hammertoe?

Consider seeing a podiatrist if your hammertoe is painful, becoming more rigid or pronounced, causing recurring corns or calluses, making it difficult to wear comfortable shoes, or interfering with walking and daily activities. Early evaluation can help determine the severity of the deformity and whether conservative treatment or surgery may be appropriate.

Dr. Joel Foster provides hammertoe treatment for patients in Lee’s Summit and throughout the Kansas City metro. Patients from across the country also travel to Kansas City to seek Dr. Foster’s expertise in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery. During an evaluation, Dr. Foster will examine your foot and toe, take an X-ray to evaluate the bones and joints, and recommend an individualized treatment plan.