HAMMERTOE SURGERY
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CONSIDERING HAMMER TOE SURGERY?
WALK PAIN-FREE WITH EXPERT CARE
For cases where conservative treatments are insufficient, or when hammertoe's cause significant pain and interfere with daily activities, surgical intervention may be recommended. At Sarasota Foot Care Center, our top-rated, award-winning, board-certified podiatrists specialize in advanced hammertoe surgery.
This procedure typically involves:
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Removing the deformed or prominent bone
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Realigning the toe into its proper position
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Releasing or repairing tightened tendons and ligaments
The exact technique is tailored to your specific condition, based on the severity of the hammertoe, X-ray findings, your activity level, and lifestyle goals. Our surgeons use the latest minimally invasive and state-of-the-art methods to achieve excellent correction, minimize scarring, and promote faster recovery—so you can return to pain-free walking as quickly as possible.
WHAT IS A HAMMER TOE?
Hammer toes will worsen over time if not properly managed.
A hammertoe is a deformity that causes one or more of the smaller toes (usually the second, third, or fourth) to bend abnormally at the middle joint, creating a downward “hammer” or claw-like appearance. This happens when the muscles, tendons, or ligaments around the toe joint become imbalanced, forcing the toe to stay in a flexed position. Over time, the toe can become rigid and fixed in this bent shape.
Initially flexible and correctable, untreated hammertoes often progress to a rigid deformity that no longer straightens—even when barefoot. This leads to painful corns on the top of the toe, calluses on the ball of the foot, and constant rubbing inside shoes. In severe cases, the toe may overlap or underlap adjacent toes, causing additional irritation and difficulty finding comfortable footwear.
HAMMERTOE FACT:
Hammertoes are not directly hereditary, but a family tendency toward flat feet, high arches, or unstable foot structure significantly increases risk. The most common triggers include wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes that crowd the toes, prior toe injuries, bunions, rheumatoid arthritis, and neuromuscular conditions. Women are affected 4–5 times more often than men. Studies show that up to 30–40% of adults over age 60 have at least one hammertoe, making it one of the most common forefoot deformities.
What
are the
Symptoms?
Hammertoes can make walking painful, impacting your ability to enjoy a vibrant lifestyle.
Some Symptoms Includes:
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Pain or tenderness at the top of the bent toe (especially when wearing shoes)
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Hard corns on the top of the toe or soft corns between toes from constant friction
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Thickened calluses on the ball of the foot due to uneven pressure
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Swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected toe joint
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Stiffness or limited ability to straighten the toe (particularly as the condition worsens)
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Difficulty walking normally or finding shoes that don’t aggravate the deformity
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Cramping in the toe or forefoot
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In advanced cases: open sores or ulcers from persistent rubbing
If you are experiencing the above symptoms, Sarasota Foot Care Center hammertoe surgery may be right for you!
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards healthier feet.
CAUSES OF
HAMMERTOE
Hammertoes can result from:
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Genetics: Inherited foot structure (such as flat feet, high arches, or a long second toe) that predisposes you to imbalance.
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Improper Footwear: Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes that crowd and force the toes into a bent position for long periods.
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Biomechanical Issues: Abnormal gait, overpronation, or muscle imbalances that our board-certified podiatrists expertly evaluate and correct.
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Associated Conditions: Bunions, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or neuromuscular disorders that weaken foot muscles and tendons.
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Trauma: Previous toe injuries or fractures that alter joint alignment.
DID YOU KNOW?
The single biggest preventable cause of hammertoes is… shoes that don’t fit right! Years of squeezing your toes into narrow, tight, or high-heeled footwear is the #1 reason these deformities develop and worsen—essentially turning a flexible toe problem into a permanent, rigid one. Proper shoe fit really is that important!
WILL A HAMMERTOE GO AWAY ON ITS OWN?
No. Hammertoes are progressive structural deformities that do not resolve without intervention.
Conservative treatments—wide-toe-box shoes, toe splints, padding, custom orthotics, stretching exercises, and anti-inflammatory medications—can reduce pain, control symptoms, and slow progression, especially when the hammertoe is still flexible. However, these measures cannot straighten a bent toe or reverse the deformity once it begins.
Continued wear of tight, narrow, pointed-toe, or high-heeled shoes will accelerate worsening, turning a flexible hammertoe into a rigid, fixed deformity over time.
This progression often leads to:
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Increasing pain and corns/calluses
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Permanent toe stiffness or contracture
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Overlapping or underlapping toes
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Secondary issues like bursitis, metatarsalgia, or arthritis
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Difficulty finding any comfortable shoes
The Only Permanent Solution: Surgical Correction
Only hammertoe surgery can fully straighten the toe, release contracted tendons, remove painful bone prominence, and restore normal alignment—permanently stopping progression.
Modern techniques offer:
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Minimally invasive procedures when appropriate
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Small incisions with reduced scarring
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Faster recovery and return to normal shoes
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Outstanding long-term functional and cosmetic results
WHAT CAN BE
DONE ABOUT HAMMERTOES?
Hammertoe Correction: Tailored to Your Needs
Depending on the flexibility of your hammertoe and the degree of joint damage, our board-certified podiatrists may recommend one or a combination of the following proven procedures:
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Soft-Tissue Release – Lengthening or transferring tight tendons and ligaments to allow the toe to straighten (ideal for flexible hammertoes).
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Bone Shaving (Exostectomy) – Removing painful corns and prominent bone on the top of the joint for immediate pressure relief.
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Bone Cutting (Osteotomy) – Precisely cutting and realigning the deformed bone, then securing it with tiny pins, screws, or advanced internal fixation so the toe heals straight.
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Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis) – For rigid, severe, or arthritic hammertoes, the joint is permanently fused in a corrected position to eliminate pain and prevent recurrence.
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Implant Arthroplasty – In select cases, a small joint implant preserves some motion while correcting the deformity.
All procedures are performed with minimally invasive or small-incision techniques whenever possible, resulting in less swelling, minimal scarring, and a quicker return to comfortable shoes—often within weeks instead of months.
At Sarasota Foot Care Center, your podiatrist will guide you through a personalized consultation, explaining each option and recommending the best procedure for your lifestyle, recovery goals, and long-term results.
Your care is our #1 priority.
HAMMERTOE DIAGNOSIS
Our comprehensive diagnostic process includes:
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Medical History: Reviewing your symptoms, lifestyle, and family history to understand contributing factors.
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Physical Exam: Assessing the bunion’s size, toe alignment, and impact on foot function.
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X-Ray: Imaging to evaluate the severity of the deformity and guide treatment planning.
MEDICAL HISTORY
Your First Visit: What to Expect
At Sarasota Foot Care Center, your top-rated Sarasota hammertoe surgeon starts with a thorough conversation to understand your unique experience.
We’ll ask:
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When did you first notice the hammertoe?
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How fast has it progressed?
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On a scale of 1–10, how much pain are you in?
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Have you tried any treatments so far?
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What shoes do you wear most often?
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Does your job keep you on your feet all day?
These answers guide every decision—ensuring your treatment fits your life, not just your X-ray.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
During your visit, our board-certified podiatrist performs a thorough, hands-on examination of the affected toe(s). We carefully assess:
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The degree of bending and whether the hammertoe is still flexible or has become rigid
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Joint alignment, swelling, redness, and any painful corns or calluses
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Range of motion—gently testing your ability to straighten the toe and noting pain, stiffness, or crepitus (grinding)
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Skin condition and signs of irritation or early ulceration
A quick in-office gait analysis follows as you walk a few steps. This allows us to see how the hammertoe alters your weight distribution, whether you’re shifting pressure to other toes or the ball of the foot, and identify any biomechanical issues (flat feet, overpronation, etc.) contributing to the problem.
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
OPTIONS FOR HAMMERTOES
Not all hammertoes require surgery. The proper treatment for your hammertoe depends on the severity of pain, medical history, how rapidly the hammertoe has progressed, and if pain relief is achieved with conservative non-surgical treatments. Our doctors will work with you to find the best solution that delivers optimal results.
SURGICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR HAMMERTOES
When symptom management isn’t enough, hammertoe surgery is recommended to realign the great toe joint to eliminate pain and restore mobility.
Hammertoe Surgery: A Masterclass in Precision and Personalization
Every hammertoe tells its own story—years of cramped shoes, biomechanical stress, and the unique way your foot bears weight. At Sarasota Foot Care Center, surgical correction is never generic. It is a carefully choreographed procedure that blends proven techniques with cutting-edge innovation to deliver straight, pain-free toes and lasting confidence.
Depending on whether your hammertoe is still flexible or has become rigid, and the extent of joint damage, your surgeon may use one or a combination of the following gold-standard methods:
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Tendon Release or Transfer – Precisely lengthening or rerouting tight tendons to allow the toe to relax into a straight position (often sufficient for early, flexible cases).
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Exostectomy – Expertly shaving away the painful bony prominence and corn on the top of the joint for instant relief from shoe pressure.
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Osteotomy – A controlled, strategic bone cut that realigns the toe, followed by stabilization with tiny pins, screws, or state-of-the-art internal implants that remain invisible and permanent.
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Arthrodesis (Joint Fusion) – For severe, rigid, or arthritic hammertoes, the middle joint is fused in a perfectly straight position, eliminating pain and preventing recurrence for life.
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Implant Arthroplasty – In select cases, a modern joint implant preserves natural motion while correcting the bend.
Whether performed through minimally invasive portals or small traditional incisions, every surgery follows the same uncompromising principle: release, realign, stabilize. This addresses the root cause—not just the symptoms—so the deformity never returns.
Your surgeon will personally guide you through every option, choosing the technique that delivers the best clinical outcome while matching your lifestyle—whether you’re back on the golf course, chasing grandkids, or simply enjoying shoes without pain.
Straight toes. Real results. Your story, perfectly corrected!
HAMMERTOE SURGERY RECOVERY
Recovery & Healing: What to Expect After Hammertoe Surgery
Recovery begins the moment your surgery is complete—and with today’s advanced fixation techniques, most patients walk the same day using a protective surgical shoe or boot.
Bone and soft-tissue healing follows a reliable timeline:
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Weeks 0–2: Minimal or partial weight-bearing in a surgical shoe/boot; swelling and discomfort are normal and well-controlled with elevation, ice, and medication.
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Weeks 2–6: Progressive weight-bearing as tolerated; many patients transition to a roomy athletic shoes or sandals around week 3–4. X-rays are taken to confirm early healing.
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Weeks 6–12: Return to most regular shoes (including many dress shoes) once the bone is solidly healed and swelling has resolved. High-impact sports or narrow heels may resume after 3 months.
Most patients are back to daily activities and comfortable shoes within 6–8 weeks, with full recovery by 3 months.
Certain factors can extend healing:
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Smoking – Impedes blood flow and delays bone repair
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Diabetes or poor circulation – Slows tissue recovery
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Advanced age – Natural reduction in regenerative capacity
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Nutritional deficiencies – Especially in protein, vitamin D, or calcium
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Excess weight or high-impact activity – Places undue stress on the healing bone
Your surgeon provides a personalized timeline, progressive weight-bearing plan, and follow-up imaging to confirm union. Compliance with post-op protocols—elevation, protected walking, and scheduled visits—ensures the smoothest, fastest recovery.
Walking After Hammertoe Surgery:
Freedom Starts Day One
The moment your procedure is finished, your mobility begins — thanks to the precision of the surgery and the rock-solid internal fixation.
At Sarasota Foot Care Center, we use the most advanced, proven techniques, which means almost every hammertoe patient walks immediately after surgery. No casts. No crutches. No kneeling scooters. Just a lightweight, comfortable protective shoe or boot that lets you bear weight safely from day one.
This immediate, protected weight-bearing approach:
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Speeds healing and reduces swelling
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Prevents stiffness and muscle loss
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Gets you back to normal life faster — many patients are walking comfortably within hours
Your surgeon customizes the exact timeline based on your bone quality, the specific procedure performed, and your personal goals. You’ll receive clear, step-by-step instructions and scheduled X-rays to confirm everything is healing perfectly as you progress to regular shoes — often within just a few weeks.
Walk in for surgery. Walk out corrected. It really is that straightforward.
WE DELIVER OPTIMAL RESULTS
What to ASK
Your
Surgeon?
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What is the best treatment option for my hammertoe severity?
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How long will recovery take if surgery is needed?
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Can non-surgical treatments manage my symptoms effectively?
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What lifestyle changes can prevent my hammertoe from worsening?
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How will treatment impact my daily activities, like walking or sports?
WHY
HEALTHY FEET MATTER
Your feet carry the weight of your entire body, playing a critical role in locomotion, balance, and overall well-being.
Your Feet aren’t just part of your body—they’re the foundation of everything.
Every step you take, every mile you walk, every dance on the beach, every round of golf at sunrise—starts here.
When your feet hurt, you slow down. When you slow down, you sit more. When you sit more… your heart, your joints, your mood, your life—they all pay the price.
But when your feet are strong, pain-free, and aligned? You move. You thrive. You stay active—and that single choice fuels:
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Stronger heart & lungs
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Better balance & posture
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Lower risk of diabetes, obesity, and depression
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More energy, more joy, more years
At Sarasota Foot Care Center, we don’t just fix hammertoes. We unlock your body’s full potential—one healthy step at a time.
Don’t wait until pain stops you. Start with your feet. Start now.
Beautiful Feet. Built to Thrive.
Foundation
Your Feet. Your Powerhouse.
Fix them first—and the rest of your body thrives.
Because when your feet are strong, you move more. When you move more, you live longer, stronger, happier.
Don’t let pain steal your steps.
Healthy feet = Healthy life.
Start here. Start now.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD'S HEALTHLY FEET
WALK PAIN-FREE WITH EXPERT CARE
At Sarasota Foot Care Center, we equip you with the knowledge to make confident, informed choices about your bunion care—every step of the way.
No matter where your condition stands, our team works tirelessly to eliminate pain, restore function, and help you put your best foot forward.
Take the first step today.
Our Services
At Sarasota Footcare Center, we offer comprehensive foot care services to help you maintain healthy feet. From routine check-ups to advanced treatments, our experienced podiatrists are here to address all your foot care needs.
Treatment Options
We provide a range of treatment options for various foot conditions, including bunions. A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing pain and discomfort. Our team can offer both conservative and surgical treatments to alleviate bunion symptoms.
Foot Care Specialists
Our team of skilled podiatrists specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot and ankle problems. Whether you are dealing with bunions, heel pain, or sports injuries, we are dedicated to providing personalized care to help you get back on your feet.
Preventive Care
Preventive foot care is essential for maintaining overall foot health. Regular check-ups and early intervention can help prevent serious foot problems in the future. Trust Sarasota Footcare Center to keep your feet healthy and pain-free.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards healthier feet.
WHERE TO FIND US
Opening Hours
Mon - Thur
Friday
Saturday & Sunday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Closed