Recovering from Hammertoe Surgery: What to Expect

Hammertoe affects your second, third, or fourth toes. Underlying muscle weakness and ligament tension cause your toes to become permanently bent in a crooked position. If more conservative treatment approaches don’t help, you may need surgery to release the tension and restore the structure of your toe and front foot.

Expert podiatrist and ankle surgeon Dr. Leonard Greenwald provides hammertoe surgery from his clinic in San Jose, California. He’s committed to patient-centered care and ensures you understand the details of your procedure, as well as what to expect from your recovery. 

In this blog, Dr. Greenwald shares information about recovering from hammertoe surgery.

Your hammertoe surgery procedure

There are a few different surgical techniques Dr. Greenwald may use to address your hammertoe. You may need fusion surgery, a tendon transfer, or a joint resection. If your toe is still flexible, he may be able to use a less invasive procedure, such as a tenotomy to release pressure and allow your toe to straighten naturally.

What should you expect on the day of your surgery? Your procedure is performed on a scheduled, outpatient basis. Typically, Dr. Greenwald only surgically treats one of your feet at a time.

You may need general anesthesia, or a specially-placed nerve block may be used to numb your foot during the operation. Either way, you should plan on getting a ride home after your surgical appointment.

Your physical therapy support may start even before your surgery. We discuss the strategies and exercises you’ll use to make recovery easier on your body. We’ll let you know ahead of time if you need assistive devices like a walker or crutches.

Starting your recovery: right after your hammertoe surgery

Once your procedure is complete, Dr. Greenwald closes your incisions with stitches and bandages your foot. As soon as you can safely do so, it’s time to head home. A surgical boot or shoe protects your foot.

After surgery, you’ll need to manage your pain. Dr. Greenwald may recommend over-the-counter pain medications, including ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen.

Your bandages must remain clean and dry. You’ll receive instructions about how to care for them. While you still have a bandage, plan on sponge baths or carefully covering your leg and foot in plastic. In two weeks, Dr. Greenwald removes your stitches and rebandages your foot.

You’ll need to rest and keep pressure off your foot for the first few weeks after surgery. Keep your foot elevated to or above the level of your heart as much as possible.

It’s important to avoid falls in the first few weeks. Make sure you have an area of your home cleared for your recovery that’s free from stairs, cords, rugs that could slip or slide, and other tripping hazards. Crutches or a walker can help you get around as you recover.

Completing your recovery from hammertoe surgery

It typically takes about six weeks to recover after hammertoe surgery. If you had surgery on your right foot, it may take a few weeks for you to return to driving. You may need to plan on staying off your feet for 1-6 weeks, including at work. It helps to arrange for extra support at home during this time as well.

After about four weeks, you may start to use a surgical shoe with an open toe and a stiff sole. Physical therapy stretches and exercises help you regain mobility and improve your balance. Going forward, it will continue to be important to choose shoes with plenty of room for your toes in the toe box and good support for the rest of your foot.

In approximately 90% of cases, hammertoe surgery is successful in providing long-term pain relief and foot restoration. To learn more, contact Dr. Greenwald online or over the phone today and schedule your appointment.