Hammer Toe Surgery

Hammer toe and claw toe deformities can make walking painful and everyday shoes uncomfortable. Surgery can correct the deformity, relieve pain and improve the function and appearance of the toes.

As a medical tourism agency, we coordinate consultations, hammer toe surgery and post-operative care with trusted orthopaedic centres abroad.

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What types of joints are found in the toes?

Each toe contains several small joints that work together to support walking, balance and push-off during gait:

Metatarsophalangeal joints (MTP) – connect the toe bones to the metatarsal bones.
Proximal interphalangeal joints (PIP) – connect the first two toe bones.
Distal interphalangeal joints (DIP) – connect the bones closer to the nail.

These joints must function properly for comfortable walking and correct toe alignment.

What Are Hammer Toe and Claw Toe?

Definition

Hammer toe, claw toe and mallet toe are deformities caused by an imbalance in the tendons and muscles that control toe movement. They lead to abnormal bending and contracture within the joints of the toe.

Hammer toe: flexion contracture at the PIP joint.
Mallet toe: deformity at the DIP joint.
Claw toe: bending at both PIP and DIP joints.

Progression of deformity

In the early stages, the toe can still be straightened manually and remains mobile within its joints. Over time, the deformity becomes fixed, stiffness develops and conservative measures may no longer be sufficient.

Who Can Develop Hammer Toe or Claw Toe?

Common causes

Wearing tight, narrow or poorly fitting footwear.
Frequent use of high-heeled shoes.
Toe crowding in the front of the shoe.
Previous foot injuries affecting tendons or joints.
Progressive osteoarthritis and age-related changes.

Who is most at risk?

People with a long second toe (most commonly affected toe).
Women, due to footwear and ligament laxity.
Individuals with a family history of foot deformities or flat feet.
Older adults with degenerative joint changes.

Symptoms of Hammer Toe and Claw Toe

Symptoms may be mild at first but tend to worsen over time if the deformity is not treated.

Typical symptoms

Visible deformity of one or more toes.
Pain while walking, especially in closed or tight-fitting shoes.
Tenderness on the top (dorsum) of the toes.
Difficulty finding comfortable footwear or fitting into normal shoes.

Complications

Corns or calluses due to constant friction against footwear.
Ulcerations on the top of the toe, which can be very painful and prone to infection.
Progressive stiffness and reduced mobility within the toe joints.

Conservative management

Treatment usually begins with non-surgical options aimed at reducing pain and slowing the progression of the deformity:

Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and soft upper.
Using special gel insoles, pads or cushions to reduce pressure.
Orthoses (functional immobilisers) to hold the toe in a more extended position – possible only if joint movement is preserved.
Simple stretching exercises and physiotherapy as advised by a specialist.

When is surgery recommended?

Persistent pain despite appropriate footwear and insoles.
Fixed deformity that cannot be straightened manually.
Recurrent corns, calluses or ulceration.
Difficulty walking or fitting into standard footwear.

Surgical correction aims to reduce joint contracture, restore proper toe alignment and relieve pain caused by friction and pressure.

Tendon procedures

Tenotomy: cutting a tight tendon to release contracture.
Tendon transfer: cutting and reattaching the tendon in a new position to rebalance forces.
Tendon lengthening: to reduce tension and improve joint alignment.

Joint stabilisation

When deformity cannot be corrected by tendon work alone, the toe may be stabilised using:

Special wires (K-wires) inserted through the joints.
Temporary fixation to maintain alignment while the bones and soft tissues heal.
Techniques designed to preserve overall foot function while allowing limited toe mobility.

Our role as a medical tourism agency

Coordination of remote orthopaedic consultations and imaging.
Matching you with experienced foot and ankle surgeons abroad.
Organising travel dates, surgery schedule and local transfers.
Support with aftercare planning and follow-up appointments.

Recovery After Hammer Toe Surgery

Immediately after surgery

Most patients go home on the same day.
Initially, weight-bearing on the operated foot is avoided.
Post-operative pain is managed with medication prescribed by the surgeon.
Swelling is reduced by elevating the leg and using cold compresses.

Follow-up and rehabilitation

First follow-up visit usually around 2 weeks after surgery to assess wound healing and remove stitches.
Gradual weight-bearing is introduced based on the deformity and type of surgery performed.
Walking is aided by a special orthopaedic shoe with a rigid sole.
If K-wires were used, they are typically removed after about 6 weeks in an outpatient clinic.

Return to normal activities

The timeline for returning to work and full activity depends on the underlying deformity, surgical technique and number of toes operated on. Most patients recover over a period of approximately 6–12 weeks, with progressive improvement in comfort and function.

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Disclaimer
*The Pax Medicus website provides information for guidance only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pax Medicus does not provide healthcare services and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional. Always seek advice from your physician regarding any medical condition. Prices shown are indicative only and subject to confirmation by the healthcare provider. This is the official website of Pax Medicus; we do not operate through agents or third-party sites.

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