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How long does hammertoe surgery take?

Author

Noah Mitchell

Published Jan 17, 2026

Injections are given at the bottom of your toes to numb the skin and deeper nerves. You will be awake during the operation but will not be able to see your operation or feel any pain. The operation takes about 30 minutes, although you should expect to be in the clinic for around 3 hours.

How long before you can walk after hammertoe surgery?

Many patients can walk immediately following surgery in a stiff-soled, surgical shoe or boot. Patients can typically return to normal activities after 2-3 months.

Is hammer toe surgery painful?

Under local anesthetic, a person will not be able to feel the procedure itself, but they may feel pressure or pulling. The surgery should not hurt. After surgery, a person will typically feel some pain in the toe and must have someone drive them home.

Can you walk after hammer toe surgery?

Typical hammertoe surgery is done in an outpatient surgical facility with IV conscious sedation. After surgery, walking is usually allowed immediately in a protective post-operative shoe. This is used mostly to accommodate for the thick bandaging and any pins that may be visible.

Do they put you to sleep for hammertoe surgery?

You may receive general anesthesia so you're asleep for the entire procedure. Your doctor may decide to do the surgery without general anesthesia, and instead use numbing medications so that you can't feel any of the work being done on your foot.

22 related questions found

Is hammer toe surgery worth it?

A common risk is the possibility of the hammertoe recurring. However, a surgical correction has a 90% success rate. Minimally invasive procedures have also reduced the risk of infections and increased success rates. For persons who want to improve the quality of life and reduce pain, surgery is the best bet.

Can you bend your toe after hammertoe surgery?

Can you bend your toe after hammertoe surgery? It depends on the specific surgical intervention used to correct the deformity. You'll be able to bend the toe at the MTP joint (where the toe joins the foot). If permanent screws or bone fusion were involved, you won't be able to bend the middle toe joint.

How long is non weight bearing after hammertoe surgery?

You may weight bear as tolerated on your heel immediately after surgery. You should avoid putting weight on the front of your foot or toes for 4 weeks after surgery. Once your pin is out, you may begin normal walking and transition into a regular shoe, as you are comfortable.

Do you need physical therapy after hammertoe surgery?

You should begin Physical Therapy at Philip Physical Therapy as soon as your surgeon allows it. Often it is advised to begin therapy as soon as the stitches are removed.

Will I need crutches after hammertoe surgery?

You can use crutches until the pain lessens. Make sure you put weight on your heel but not on your toes. Most people wear a shoe with a wooden sole for about 4 weeks. After that, your health care provider may advise you to wear a wide, deep, soft shoe for up to 4 to 6 weeks.

What can go wrong with hammertoe surgery?

Complications of hammertoe correction surgery include the following: Infection. Delayed wound healing. Recurrent deformity.

Is hammertoe surgery successful?

The vast majority of people who elect hammertoe surgery are very happy they did. Success rates exceed 90 percent. The surgical procedure usually requires removing a small portion of bone from the toe, and releasing some of the tight ligaments in order to allow the toe to straighten.

What are the side effects of hammer toe surgery?

Even if the procedure is successful, you may still experience a range of hammertoe surgery side effects, including:

  • Pain. Your foot may swell, ache, or give you stabbing pains for a long period after surgery.
  • Limited range of motion. ...
  • Nerve injury. ...
  • Infection. ...
  • Deformity recurrence.

Is it painful to have pins removed?

Pin Removal

Although patients may be anxious or cry, the pain is minimal or not painful at all.

How long do I have to elevate my foot after surgery?

After application of a splint or cast, it is very important to elevate your leg for 24 to 72 hours. The injured area should be elevated well above the heart.

How is hammer toe surgery performed?

The most common surgical procedure for hammertoes is proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint fusion. The toe is straightened and stabilized by permanently fusing the two bones together. The traditional way to do this is by cutting the ends of the bones in the joint and joining them together.

Can I cycle after foot surgery?

Exercise Bike

While getting back into exercising after foot surgery is healthy, reinjuring your foot will be painful and you'll want to avoid that scenario at all costs. If at any point during your workout you're experiencing pain, it's important that you stop immediately.

What is the fastest way to recover from foot surgery?

6 Tips For A Speedy Recovery Following Surgery on Your Foot or Ankle

  1. When resting, keep your foot elevated. ...
  2. Apply ice packs to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling. ...
  3. Clean the cast frequently. ...
  4. Adhere to instructions regarding weight-bearing. ...
  5. Engage in regular exercise. ...
  6. Get enough rest.

How do you stay in shape after foot surgery?

Low Impact Exercises to Help You Stay Active After Foot Surgery

  1. Pilates and Yoga. Pilates and yoga are two types of exercise that use both stretching and positioning to increase circulation and improve flexibility. ...
  2. Stretching and Toning. ...
  3. Swimming. ...
  4. Exercise Bike.

Do hammer toes get worse over time?

Hammertoes usually start out as mild deformities and get progressively worse over time. In the earlier stages, hammertoes are flexible and the symptoms can often be managed with noninvasive measures. But if left untreated, hammertoes can become more rigid and will not respond to nonsurgical treatment.

What is the main cause of hammer toes?

Hammertoe and mallet toe are foot deformities that occur due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. The type of shoes you wear, foot structure, trauma and certain disease processes can contribute to the development of these deformities.

Should I have hallux Rigidus surgery?

If you have big toe joint pain, talk to your healthcare provider. The earlier you get a diagnosis of hallux rigidus, the more successful treatment can be. Often, treatment includes pain medication, getting shoes that fit correctly and resting the joint. But if lingering pain interferes with your life, surgery can help.

Is hammer toe surgery covered by insurance?

Hammertoe surgery is usually covered by insurance if the condition is deemed a medical necessity. If correction of a hammertoe is done for only cosmetic reasons, insurance isn't likely to pay for it.

Is extensor tenotomy included in hammertoe repair?

Surgical procedures utilized for the correction of hammer toe include, but may not be limited to, amputation for severe deformity, arthrodesis, arthroplasty, flexor to extensor tendon transfer, partial or total phalangectomy or tenotomy.

How long will my toe be swollen after surgery?

A: It is not uncommon to still have swelling in your forefoot and/or toes 3 months out from surgery. Most swelling will resolve during this time but it may be up to 3 months before you feel that your foot appears “normal” and footwear is comfortable.