Hammer and Claw Toe Surgery

Hammer toe is a common foot deformity that causes the three middle toes of the foot to appear bent and misshapen.

Claw toe is a similar foot deformity, affecting the middle and end toe joints and causing the toes to bend and curl under. It can happen to all four of the smaller toes.

People suffering from these conditions may experience discomfort and even severe pain when wearing shoes. When these conditions are caught early, they are known as either flexible hammer or claw toe, and can often be treated using conservative options. However, when these conditions are more severe, surgery is used to correct the deformity and relieve toe and foot pain caused by the condition.

It is a simple, outpatient procedure that involves making a small incision in the top part of the toe, through which the ligaments and tendons of the toe can be reached. Some of the bone is removed to help fully extend the toes, and then small pins or rods may be used to help straighten the toe during healing. In some cases, tendons or ligaments in the toe joint must also be cut in order to straighten the toe fully and allow for proper healing.

Most patients are able to leave immediately after hammer or claw toe correction surgery unless otherwise noted by your surgeon. In some cases, a secondary visit is needed about a month after surgery to remove any pins or other hardware used to help your toe stay aligned during the healing process. Our specialists will work with you to develop your personalized recovery plan for the weeks following your procedure, which may involve:

Our goal is for you to experience the following benefits after having this surgery:

When hammer or claw toe does not improve with conservative options and is causing significant pain, your physician may recommend the surgical procedure. Most commonly, hammer or claw toe is caused by: