Hammertoe Repair: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Hammertoe Repair?
A foot and ankle surgeon usually performs hammertoe repair. This may be an orthopedic surgeon, a doctor trained in bone and joint surgery, or a podiatrist, a doctor trained to treat feet. Your primary care doctor may refer you to one of these specialists if home treatments do not help your toe pain.
What it is
Hammertoe repair is an operation to straighten a toe that bends downward at the middle joint, so it looks like a hammer. The surgery removes a small piece of tendon or bone so the toe can lie flat.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Doctors try simpler treatments first, such as wider shoes, pads, or inserts. Surgery is an option when the toe stays bent and stiff or pain makes walking hard. A bunion, common with hammertoe, may be fixed at the same time.
How to prepare
- Ask which medicines to stop before surgery, and when.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home.
- Plan to keep weight off your foot for a few days.
- Buy a wide, comfortable shoe for healing.
- Follow instructions about not eating or drinking beforehand.
What happens during it
Most repairs are outpatient surgery, so you go home the same day. You get numbing medicine, sometimes with a light sedative. The surgeon makes a small cut, then removes a tiny piece of bone or tendon or releases tight tissue so the toe straightens. A pin or screw may hold it while it heals.
Recovery
You will likely need a special shoe or boot for a few weeks, but most people can walk right away. Stitches come out in about two weeks, and any pin is removed later. Many return to normal shoes within four to six weeks.
Risks and side effects
Risks include infection, bleeding, numbness, blood clots, and anesthesia problems. Some toes stay stiff or drift out of place again. Your surgeon will explain which risks apply to you.
Who performs it
Orthopedic surgeons who focus on feet and ankles, and podiatrists who perform surgery, do most repairs. Ask a prospective surgeon how often they perform this procedure.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance; a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can handle early hammertoe care and will refer you to a foot and ankle surgeon if needed.
Common questions
Is hammertoe surgery painful?
You should not feel pain during the procedure because of the numbing medicine. Soreness afterward is common and usually improves over several weeks, though each person's experience is different.
Can a hammertoe be fixed without surgery?
Early, flexible hammertoes sometimes improve with wider shoes, pads, and toe stretches. A toe that has become stiff and fixed usually does not straighten without surgery.
Will my toe look normal afterward?
Surgery aims to straighten the toe and ease pain, but the toe may be stiffer than before and can look slightly different. Results vary from person to person.
How soon can I drive?
Most doctors say to wait until you can walk comfortably and are no longer taking strong pain medicine. Ask your surgeon, since this depends on which foot was treated and your healing.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
