How Do You Fix a Hammertoe? | Ask Dr. Moore

No doubt one of the most common foot and toe surgery questions we get from patients who come for pain and/or cosmetic foot surgery is, "How do you fix a hammertoe?"
The answer is not as easy as you might think since foot surgery techniques, surgical equipment, and post operative pain control have changed dramatically over the the last 5 to 10 years. In essence, the corn or small callus is from the pressure of the shoe on the flexion contraction at the proximal phalanx joint. It either disappears after the toe is straightened and portion of the bone is removed, or it can be surgically removed to discard the unsightly or discolored skin.
There are also new medical devices to keep the toe straight with either a metal or absorbable pin. No need for the old pins that extended from the end of the toes after surgery and needed to be removed in the office.
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Dr. Moore is a board certified foot and ankle surgical specialist / podiatrist in Houston, Texas delivering care for complex foot and ankle disorders as well as cosmetic or reconstructive procedures, problems related to sports injuries and other medical conditions in the Houston, TX area.
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[@downtownplayboy4199]

⁠Thanks, Doc, will do. And thank you for the swift reply! 🙏

[@beverlylowe2462]

I thought recovery takes over 2 months… not 2-3 weeks. I was also told that driving was not possible even wearing the special boot. I’m in Montreal Canada. 2-3 weeks sounds much better! What tape do you recommend to hold the hammertoe down before I do surgery? My 2nd toe on my right foot.

[@DrRobertJMooreIII]

There really is no special tape out there on the market, but Amazon has a plethora of products if you type in “silicon toe protector”

[@downtownplayboy4199]

Hello, Dr., and thank you for a beautiful video. I am about to have surgery to fix a hammer toe. The doctor said he was going to use the wire and then pull it out three weeks later. Is that an old way or a modern way of doing this surgery, or should I look for another opinion? your feedback is greatly appreciated.

[@DrRobertJMooreIII]

I’ve seen this procedure performed in the past. It’s pretty safe, but infection risk does go up with an exiting pin. . I’ve also seen the toes turn out well after the pins are removed but not every time. There are several types of internal pins, I would discuss this with your surgeon.

[@katherinechambers8131]

I had hammer toe surgeries on the left side 6 months ago the fourth toe wants to turn and the bone then wants to stick out on the side up against my little toe. Goodnight your son it's because the tendon at the top is pulling it over. She says she can go in and she would put a staple in and a pen again. I wish it was fixed I just don't know what to do if I should just leave it alone.

[@katherinechambers8131]

That is supposed to say the doctor says not good night son LOL

[@DrRobertJMooreIII]

How do you fix a Hammer Toe?
No doubt one of the most common foot and toe surgery questions we are asked online and of course at the clinic from patients who come for pain and/or cosmetic foot surgery.
The answer is not as easy as you might think since foot surgery techniques, surgical equipment, and post operative pain control have changed dramatically over the the last 5 to 10 years. In essence, the corn or small callus is from the pressure of the shoe on the flexion contraction at the proximal phalanx joint. It either disappears after the toe is straightened and portion of the bone is removed, or it can be surgically removed to discard the unsightly or discolored skin.
There are also new medical devices to keep the toe straight with either a metal or absorbable pin. No need for the old pins that extended from the end of the toes after surgery and needed to be removed in the office.
To see more feel free to log on to www.MyFootFix.com to watch the surgery, listen to patient testimonials, see patient reviews, ask Dr Moore a question, or make an appointment.
Stay Healthy and One Step Ahead.