A gloved clinician assesses a patient’s hammertoe in a Houston podiatry clinic.
Hammertoes are a common foot condition that can make walking, standing, and wearing shoes painful. When conservative hammertoes treatments such as custom orthotics, toe splints, physical therapy, and footwear changes no longer provide relief, surgery may become the most effective solution.
If you’re considering hammertoe surgery Houston, understanding the different surgical options can help you make an informed decision. Not every patient requires the same procedure. The right treatment depends on the severity of the deformity, the flexibility of the affected toe, your activity level, and your overall foot health.
In this guide, we’ll explain the three primary types of hammertoe surgery tendon transfer, joint resection, and joint fusion- and help you understand which option may be best for your condition.
What Is a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a deformity where one of the smaller toes bends downward at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like appearance. It most commonly affects the second toe but can also involve the third or fourth toes.The condition often begins as a flexible deformity but may gradually become rigid if left untreated.
As the toe becomes more fixed, it can cause:
Pain while walking
Corns and calluses
Difficulty wearing shoes
Swelling and inflammation
Reduced balance and mobility
Early intervention with conservative treatments for hammertoes may slow progression, but advanced cases often require surgical correction.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), a hammertoe is a deformity in which the middle joint of the toe bends downward, often causing pain, corns, and difficulty wearing shoes.
When Is Hammertoe Surgery Necessary?
Surgery is typically recommended when:
Non-surgical treatments no longer relieve pain.
The toe becomes rigid and cannot be straightened manually.
Walking becomes difficult.
The deformity interferes with daily activities.
Recurring corns or ulcers develop due to pressure.
The primary goal of Hammertoes correction is to restore proper toe alignment, relieve pain, and improve overall foot function.
If symptoms continue despite conservative care, Mayo Clinic notes that surgery may be recommended to relieve pain and restore toe alignment.
The 3 Types of Hammertoe Surgery
Depending on the flexibility and severity of the deformity, your podiatrist may recommend one of the following procedures.
1. Tendon Transfer
Best For: Flexible hammertoes in the early stages.
A tendon transfer is one of the least invasive surgical options. Instead of removing bone, the surgeon repositions one of the tendons controlling the toe. This helps rebalance muscle forces and gradually straightens the toe.
How It Works
The tendon responsible for pulling the toe into a bent position is redirected to help maintain a straighter alignment.
Benefits
Preserves the joint
Smaller surgical incision
Faster recovery
Maintains natural toe movement
Less postoperative stiffness
Recovery Time
Most patients return to comfortable walking within 4 to 6 weeks while wearing a surgical shoe during the initial healing phase. This option is ideal when the toe remains flexible and the joint has not developed permanent stiffness.
2. Joint Resection (Arthroplasty)
Best For: Moderately rigid hammertoes.
Joint resection is one of the most common procedures used for Hammertoes correction. During surgery, the surgeon removes a small portion of bone from the middle joint. This creates enough space for the toe to straighten naturally. The surrounding soft tissues are adjusted, and in some cases, a temporary pin is inserted to stabilize the toe while it heals.
Benefits
Reduces pain
Corrects moderate deformities
Preserves some toe flexibility
Improves shoe comfort
Reliable long-term results
Recovery Time
Most patients resume normal activities within 6 to 8 weeks, although complete healing may take several months.
At Deniel Foot and Ankle Center, experienced podiatrists carefully evaluate each patient’s condition to determine whether tendon transfer, joint resection, or joint fusion offers the best long-term outcome. Individualized treatment plans help ensure the most effective and lasting correction.
3. Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis)
Best For: Severe or rigid hammertoes.
When the toe has become permanently stiff, joint fusion is often considered the gold standard. Instead of preserving movement, the damaged joint surfaces are removed, and the bones are permanently fused in a straight position. Temporary hardware such as pins or small implants keeps the toe aligned while the bones heal together.
Benefits
Excellent correction for severe deformities
Long-lasting stability
Low recurrence rate
Significant pain relief
Improved foot function
Recovery Time
Patients generally recover within 8 to 12 weeks, although full bone healing may continue for several months. While the fused joint no longer bends, most patients experience improved comfort because the painful deformity has been eliminated.
.
Which Surgery Is Right for You?
Flexible Toe: A tendon transfer is often the preferred option because the joint remains movable.
Moderate Deformity: Joint resection typically provides an excellent balance between correction and preserved mobility.
Severe Rigid Toe: Joint fusion offers the greatest stability and the lowest chance of recurrence.
Additional considerations include:
Age
Overall health
Bone quality
Activity level
Presence of arthritis
Diabetes or circulation issues
A thorough examination, X-rays, and physical assessment help determine the most appropriate treatment.
Hammertoe Surgery Recovery
Although recovery varies depending on the procedure performed, most patients experience a steady improvement over several weeks.
General recovery includes:
Wearing a surgical shoe or boot
Keeping weight off the foot initially
Elevating the foot to reduce swelling
Following wound care instructions
Gradually returning to normal activities
Attending follow-up appointments
Many patients return to desk work within one to two weeks, while physically demanding jobs may require additional healing time. Following postoperative instructions carefully helps maximize surgical success.
The total expense depends on several factors, including:
Type of surgical procedure
Surgeon experience
Surgical facility fees
Anesthesia costs
Medical imaging
Insurance coverage
Geographic location
Patients seeking hammertoe surgery Houston may find that pricing varies among providers and surgical centers. Many insurance plans cover medically necessary hammertoe surgery when conservative treatments have failed, though out-of-pocket costs depend on individual coverage. Discussing estimated expenses with your provider before surgery can help you understand your financial responsibilities.
Can Hammertoes Return After Surgery?
Recurrence is uncommon when the correct procedure is selected and postoperative instructions are followed.
However, recurrence can occur due to:
Wearing tight shoes
Untreated foot deformities
Muscle imbalance
Arthritis progression
Poor healing
Choosing supportive footwear and attending regular follow-up visits can help maintain long-term results.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right procedure depends on the severity of your condition, the flexibility of the affected toe, and your overall foot health. Whether your podiatrist recommends tendon transfer, joint resection, or joint fusion, timely hammertoe correction can relieve pain, improve mobility, and help you return to your daily activities with greater comfort.
If you’re considering hammertoe surgery in Houston, the experienced podiatrists at Deniel Foot and Ankle Center can evaluate your condition and recommend the treatment option best suited to your individual needs, helping you achieve lasting relief and healthier feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When is hammertoe surgery necessary?
Hammertoe surgery is typically recommended when conservative treatments no longer relieve pain, the toe becomes rigid, or the deformity interferes with walking, wearing shoes, or daily activities. A podiatrist will evaluate the severity of the condition before recommending surgery.
Q2. What is the best surgery for a hammertoe?
The best hammertoe surgery depends on the severity and flexibility of the toe. Tendon transfer is often used for flexible hammertoes, joint resection for moderate deformities, and joint fusion for severe or rigid hammertoes. Your podiatrist will recommend the most appropriate procedure after a thorough evaluation.
Q3. Can you walk immediately after hammertoe surgery?
Many patients can walk the same day as surgery while wearing a surgical shoe or boot. However, weight-bearing instructions vary depending on the procedure performed and your surgeon’s recommendations.
Q4. How painful is hammertoe surgery recovery?
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort during the first few days after surgery. Pain is usually managed with prescribed medication, elevation, and ice. As healing progresses, discomfort gradually decreases, and most patients notice significant improvement within several weeks.
Q5. How long do the results of hammertoe surgery last?
The results of hammertoe surgery are generally long-lasting when the correct procedure is performed and postoperative instructions are followed. Wearing supportive footwear and addressing underlying foot conditions can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
