Tired of Painful Hammertoes? 5 Signs It’s Time for Surgery

Hammertoes are a common foot condition accounting for up to 20% of doctor visits for foot and ankle pain. They can cause daily discomfort and make even simple activities painful.

At Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic in Draper and Orem, Utah, we often see patients who’ve tried conservative treatments for years and are frustrated that hammertoes still limit their lives.

While not everyone with hammertoes requires surgery, it’s sometimes the most effective option for long-term relief. Understanding the signs that surgery may be necessary can help you make an informed decision about your foot health.

Hammertoes explained

A hammertoe happens when one of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint, causing its shape to resemble a hammer. Over time, the toe may become fixed in this position.

Hammertoes often develop due to issues such as:

• Muscle imbalances
• Wearing tight or narrow shoes
• Foot structure issues
• Arthritis
• Past injuries

In the early stages, hammertoes may be flexible and painless. As the condition progresses, however, pain, stiffness, and skin problems often appear.

When conservative treatments aren’t enough

Many hammertoes are manageable at first with nonsurgical care, such as:

• Wearing roomier, supportive shoes
• Using orthotics (shoe inserts) or padding
• Stretching and doing strengthening exercises
• Avoiding activities that worsen pain

These approaches can help relieve pressure and slow progression, but they can’t always correct the deformity. When symptoms persist or worsen, surgery may be worth considering.

Below are five signs it may be time to see a foot and ankle specialist about hammertoe surgery.

1. Ongoing pain that affects daily life

If hammertoe pain interferes with walking, exercising, working, or enjoying everyday activities, don’t ignore it; it’s only going to worsen.

Chronic pain is a sign that the toe deformity is putting ongoing stress on joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues. Pain that persists despite changes in footwear or other treatments often indicates that the underlying problem requires a more direct solution.

2. The toe has become rigid or fixed

In the early stages, a hammertoe may still be flexible, and you can straighten it with gentle pressure. However, over time, the toe can stiffen and lock in a bent position. Once that happens, nonsurgical treatments are less effective.

A rigid hammertoe often causes more discomfort and is more likely to lead to additional complications, making surgery a more realistic option.

3. Painful corns, calluses, or skin breakdown

Hammertoes frequently cause increased pressure where the toe rubs against shoes or other toes. That can lead to corns, calluses, blisters, or even open sores.

These skin problems aren’t just uncomfortable; they also increase the risk of infection, especially for patients with diabetes or circulation issues.

If you’re constantly treating painful corns or calluses caused by a hammertoe, surgery can help address the root cause.

4. Trouble finding shoes that fit comfortably

Many patients with hammertoes struggle to find shoes that don’t cause pain. Even wider or softer shoes may not relieve pressure once the deformity progresses.

Avoiding certain shoes or limiting activities due to foot pain is a clear sign that the condition is affecting quality of life. Surgery can help restore a more natural toe position, making it easier to wear comfortable, supportive footwear again.

5. The hammertoe gets worse over time

Hammertoes often worsen without early treatment. The longer the toe stays in an abnormal position, the more stress it places on nearby joints and structures, and the more likely it is to become fixed.

That can lead to pain in other parts of the foot, changes in walking pattern, and additional abnormalities.

What hammertoe surgery involves

Hammertoe surgery straightens the affected toe and relieves pain. The specific procedure Dr. Greg Brockbank uses depends on the severity and flexibility of the deformity, but both open and minimally invasive surgical techniques are low-risk and yield good outcomes.

In many cases, we can complete hammertoe surgery on an outpatient basis, meaning you go home the same day. Recovery times vary, but many patients walk shortly after surgery with proper protection and follow-up care. 

Our goal is always to choose the least invasive option that provides lasting results.

If hammertoes hold you back, a professional evaluation can help determine whether surgery is the right step toward healthier, more comfortable feet. Call Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic to learn more about hammertoe surgery or schedule a consultation online today.