Hammertoe Surgery: What to Expect

Preparing for hammertoe surgery is a lot like getting ready to go camping: it’s easier and more successful if you know what to expect ahead of time. When you go out to one of the many camp grounds outside of Denver, it’s important to understand a few things, such as the local terrain, facilities available to you, and even what the weather will be like while you’re there. Knowing all this ahead of time can help you plan effectively, so you bring everything you need. The same is true for your hammertoe repair. Knowing what to expect can help make the preparation and recovery go more smoothly for you.

Hammertoe surgery is an easy, relatively quick procedure. Normally it’s done as an outpatient surgery, which means it happens in our office. Before the repair, you’ll have X-rays or other diagnostic images taken of your toe so our experts can see what your foot needs. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications for several days before the actual procedure. You’ll also need to arrange for a ride to and from your surgery.

On the day of your hammertoe repair, you’ll want to wear comfortable clothes that will be easy to change out of without harming your digit at home. Your foot will be numbed with local anesthesia, so it won’t feel anything. The exact technique our experts will use to correct your hammertoe deformity will depend on your unique needs. It might include releasing or transferring a tightened tendon, removing a part of the fixed joint, or even fusing the toe.

After the procedure, you’ll have to wear a special boot to protect your digit for a little while. You’ll need to keep your foot elevated at home to reduce swelling. You’ll have multiple follow-up appointments to check on your healing progress and remove stitches, too. You’ll most likely need to do toe exercises and stretches once your digit has healed enough to restore strength and range of motion to your forefoot.