Key takeaways
- 1Hammertoe is a bent toe deformity in which the middle joint of a lesser toe (second to fifth) curls down, most often in the second toe.
- 2A flexible hammertoe can still be straightened by hand, while a rigid hammertoe is stuck in position, and this difference decides the treatment.
- 3Corns on the top of the toe, calluses under the ball of the foot and pain in shoes are the usual complaints.
- 4Most people start with roomy shoes, padding, toe exercises and sometimes a splint, and these steps often ease symptoms within 6 to 12 weeks.
- 5Hammertoe is often linked to a bunion, tight calf muscles, nerve problems or a long second toe, so the whole foot is assessed.
- 6Surgery to straighten a stiff or painful hammertoe is a day-case procedure, and most people walk in a surgical shoe straight afterwards.
- 7Hammertoe treatment in turkey can suit planned, non-urgent surgery once your photos, X-rays and history have been reviewed.
Overview
What is hammertoe?
Hammertoe is a deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends at its middle joint and sits curled, with the tip pointing down. It is one of the most common toe problems in adults. This page explains what happens inside the toe, how doctors sort flexible from rigid hammertoe, and what treatment can do, including treatment in turkey.
What is hammertoe?
Each smaller toe has three small bones (phalanges) and two joints. In hammertoe the joint nearest the foot stays level, the middle joint (the proximal interphalangeal joint, or PIP joint) bends down, and the tip may bend up or down. From the side, the toe looks like a hammer or a claw.
The raised knuckle on top of the bent joint is the part that hurts. It presses on the shoe and builds a corn. Over months the tendons around the toe tighten, and a toe that once straightened easily can become fixed.
Who gets hammertoe?
Hammertoe is seen mostly in adults, and it becomes more common with age. Women are affected more often than men, which is widely linked to narrow, pointed or high-heeled shoes worn over many years. The second toe is the usual victim because it is often the longest toe and sits in the tightest part of the shoe.
It also runs in families, since foot shape is inherited. People with diabetes, arthritis, or nerve and muscle disease can develop it too, and some children have curled toes from birth.
How serious is hammertoe?
Hammertoe is not dangerous in itself, and many people live with a mild curl for years. It matters because the pressure points can break down into sores, especially if your feet are numb or your circulation is poor. Pain also changes how you walk, which can overload the ball of the foot.
The order of this page follows the questions most people ask: what it looks like, why it happens, how to ease it at home, and when an operation is worth discussing.
Anatomy
What happens in the body with hammertoe
The smaller toes work like a chain of small levers, and hammertoe appears when the tendons that pull the chain become unbalanced. Understanding this balance makes the treatment choices easier to follow.
What is the normal structure of the lesser toes?
Each lesser toe (the second to fifth) is made of three bones: the proximal, middle and distal phalanx. They meet the long foot bone behind them, the metatarsal, at the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP joint), which is the joint at the ball of the foot. A thick ligament-like pad called the plantar plate sits under this joint and holds the toe level.
Several tendons cross the toe. Long flexor tendons run along the sole and bend the tip down. Long extensor tendons run on top and lift the toe. Tiny muscles inside the foot, the intrinsics (lumbricals and interossei), hold the base of the toe down while the tip stays straight. When all of these pull evenly, the toe lies flat.
What changes in hammertoe?
If the intrinsic muscles weaken or the long tendons overpull, the balance tips. The long flexor tendon pulls the middle joint into a bend, while the extensor lifts the base of the toe. The result is a toe cocked up at the ball of the foot and bent down at the middle joint.
At first this is only a muscle and tendon imbalance, so the joint can be pushed straight. After months or years the capsule and ligaments around the middle joint shorten, the cartilage can wear, and the joint stiffens in the bent position. That stiffening is the point at which a flexible hammertoe becomes a rigid hammertoe.
Why does the knuckle form a corn?
The top of the bent joint is the highest point of the toe, so it rubs the roof of the shoe. The skin responds by thickening into a hard corn (a clavus), and a fluid sac (bursa) may form underneath. Meanwhile the tip of the toe jams against the floor of the shoe, and the fat pad under the ball of the foot is dragged forward, which leaves the metatarsal heads more exposed and painful.
Symptoms & causes
Hammertoe symptoms and causes
Common symptoms
- A visible bend in the middle of a smaller toe, so the toe looks curled like a claw or hammer when you stand or look from the side.
- Pain on the top of the bent knuckle when a shoe presses on it, often worse in narrow or shallow shoes.
- A hard corn on the top of the toe, or a soft corn between two toes, where skin has thickened to protect itself from rubbing.
- Pain or a burning feel under the ball of the foot, because the toe pulls fat padding away from the metatarsal heads.
- Calluses (thick patches of skin) under the ball of the foot or on the tip of the toe that grows thicker over time.
- Redness, swelling or a tender fluid sac over the knuckle after a long day on your feet or after walking in tight shoes.
- A toe that is stiff or will not lie flat when you press it down, a sign that the deformity may be becoming rigid.
- Difficulty finding comfortable shoes, with toes catching on the shoe top and the nail pressing down or growing thick.
- A neighbouring toe that crosses over, drifts sideways or overlaps the big toe, often seen with a bunion.
- Open sores, blisters or skin breakdown at pressure points, which need prompt attention if you have diabetes or numb feet.
Causes and risk factors
- Tight or pointed footwear: narrow toe boxes and high heels push the toes into a bent position for hours, and over years the tendons adapt to that shape.
- Muscle and tendon imbalance: when the long flexor tendon overpowers the small intrinsic muscles of the foot, the middle joint bends and the base of the toe lifts.
- A long second toe: if it is longer than the big toe, it hits the end of the shoe and is forced to buckle.
- A bunion (hallux valgus): the big toe drifts toward the lesser toes and crowds the second toe into a bent shape.
- Tight calf muscles or a high arch: both change how the foot loads and can overwork the toe flexors.
- Nerve and muscle disease: diabetes, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, stroke and nerve injury can weaken the intrinsics and allow claw-type toes.
- Inflammatory arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis damages the plantar plate and joint capsule so toes drift and curl.
- Past injury: a broken or crushed toe, or an operation on the forefoot, may leave the toe in a bent position.
- Family history: foot shape and tendon tightness are partly inherited, so curled toes often run in a family.
Types
Types and stages of hammertoe
Doctors sort hammertoe mainly by whether the toe can be straightened, because this decides which treatments are likely to work. The three classic toe shapes are hammertoe, mallet toe and claw toe, and they are often confused.
Flexible versus rigid hammertoe
A flexible hammertoe bends at the middle joint, but you can still straighten it with your fingers. A semi-rigid hammertoe straightens only partly. A rigid hammertoe is fixed and cannot be moved to a straight position, even gently. Many people drift from one stage to the next over years if the shoe pressure continues.
| Stage | What the toe does | Usual first approach |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible | Bent at the middle joint but passively straightens by hand | Roomy shoes, padding, exercises, taping or a splint |
| Semi-rigid | Straightens only part of the way, with some stiffness | Footwear change and padding; tendon release if pain persists |
| Rigid | Fixed bend that does not straighten at all | Shoe modification; bone-based correction if painful |
How is hammertoe different from mallet toe and claw toe?
The name depends on which joints bend. In a mallet toe, only the joint nearest the tip (the distal joint) bends down. In hammertoe, the middle joint is the one that bends. In a claw toe, the base joint at the ball of the foot points up while both joints further along curl down, and it commonly affects several toes at once and often has a nerve cause.
Why does the type change treatment?
A flexible hammertoe has a soft problem, a tendon imbalance, and can be corrected with a tendon transfer or release that leaves the joint mobile. A rigid hammertoe has a joint problem, so the surgeon usually shortens or fuses the bone to straighten it. Knowing which type you have is the first question to answer, and a quick bend test in clinic usually does it.
Surgeons call the straightening of a bent toe hammertoe correction, and the method chosen follows from the type. A crooked second toe is the most typical reason people ask for it.
Doctors also record how many toes are involved, whether a bunion is present, and whether the base joint is dislocated, since each of these affects the plan.
Diagnosis
How is hammertoe diagnosed?
Hammertoe is diagnosed mainly by looking at and moving the foot, and X-rays are used to plan treatment rather than to find the condition. Most people receive a firm diagnosis in a single visit.
What does the clinical history cover?
Your doctor will ask when the toe began to curl, which shoes hurt, and whether the toe has become stiffer. They will ask about calluses, sores, previous injuries, and conditions that affect nerves or circulation such as diabetes. Work and sport matter too, because a runner and a person who stands all day have different needs.
What does the examination involve?
The surgeon looks at your feet standing, because the deformity often looks different under body weight. They check each toe for a corn, a callus, redness or an open sore. The key test is passive correction: with a gentle push, they see whether the middle joint can be straightened.
They also check the base joint at the ball of the foot for a drawer movement (looseness) that suggests a damaged plantar plate, test sensation with a light touch or a nylon filament, feel the pulses at the ankle, and test calf tightness with the knee straight and bent.
Which imaging is used?
Standing X-rays of the foot from above and the side are the standard test. They show the bend at the middle joint, any joint damage, whether the base joint is dislocated, the length of the metatarsals, and any bunion that sits beside the toe. Ultrasound can look at the plantar plate if it is torn, and MRI is rarely needed unless nerve or tumour causes are suspected.
What should you bring to a remote review?
For a remote case review, collect clear photos of both feet from above, from the side and from behind while standing, plus a photo of the sole. Add any standing X-rays on disc or as files, a list of medicines and allergies, and notes about diabetes, circulation or previous foot surgery. A short video of you walking is useful too. Our medical record review guide explains how this works.
Tests you may have
- Standing foot X-rays (weight-bearing, from above and from the side): show the angle of the bend, joint wear, any dislocation at the base and bone length.
- Passive correction test: the surgeon straightens the toe by hand to decide whether the deformity is flexible, semi-rigid or rigid.
- Drawer test of the base joint: shows looseness of the plantar plate under the ball of the foot, which can push a toe upward.
- Sensory testing with a monofilament: checks for numbness from diabetes or nerve disease, which changes the risk of sores.
- Pulse check and capillary refill: confirms blood flow to the toes before any operation, particularly in older people or smokers.
- Ultrasound of the forefoot: can show a torn plantar plate or a fluid sac over the knuckle when examination is unclear.
- Blood tests such as glucose or HbA1c and inflammatory markers: used when diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis is suspected.
- Gait observation or pressure mapping: shows how weight moves across the ball of the foot and whether the toe is gripping the ground.
Look-alikes
Conditions that can feel like hammertoe
Several foot problems can mimic hammertoe or occur beside it, so a careful comparison avoids the wrong treatment. The table below sets out the look-alikes and how doctors separate them.
| Condition | How it differs from hammertoe | How doctors tell |
|---|---|---|
| Mallet toe | Only the joint nearest the tip bends; the middle joint is straight | Side view and passive correction of the end joint |
| Claw toe | Base joint points up and both joints curl down; often several toes and a nerve cause | Look for neurological signs and a high arch |
| Crossover second toe (plantar plate tear) | Toe drifts sideways or up from the base, with pain under the ball of the foot | Drawer test, ultrasound or MRI |
| Bunion with crowding | The big toe pushes against the second toe, which then buckles | X-ray shows the big toe angle |
| Morton's neuroma | Burning and tingling between toes without a curled toe | Mulder's click and ultrasound |
| Arthritis of the toe joint | Swollen, stiff, often painful joint with bony change | X-ray shows narrowing and spurs |
Why does a correct label matter?
The same-looking curl can need quite different treatment. A mallet toe can often be fixed with a small tendon cut in clinic, while a crossover toe needs the plantar plate repaired. A claw toe from a nerve problem needs the cause treated first. Treating a bunion-related hammertoe without addressing the bunion tends to lead to the toe curling again.
Which look-alikes deserve extra attention?
Two situations need care. First, a sudden swollen, hot, red toe may be gout, infection or a fracture, and not a long-standing deformity. Second, a toe that curls in someone with new numbness, foot drop or back pain may point to a nerve or spinal cause. In both cases, get assessed rather than just changing shoes. You can read about the neighbouring conditions in our guides to Morton's neuroma and bunions.
Non-surgical
Non-surgical treatment for hammertoe
Most people with hammertoe begin with non-surgical care, and for a flexible toe it often controls symptoms well. These steps do not usually straighten a fixed toe, but they can make it comfortable.
Which footwear changes help first?
Shoes are the single biggest lever. Choose a deep, wide toe box so the top of the toe is not pressed, and keep heels below about 2.5 cm (1 inch) where you can. Fit shoes at the end of the day, when feet are largest, and leave about a thumb's width between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. Soft, seamless uppers or a stretchable leather reduce rubbing on the knuckle.
What padding and orthotics are used?
Non-medicated corn pads, gel toe sleeves and small crest pads placed under the toes can lift a curled toe and protect the knuckle. A metatarsal pad sitting just behind the ball of the foot can shift pressure away from the sore area. A custom insole made by a podiatrist or orthotist helps when flat feet or a high arch contribute. Avoid medicated acid corn plasters if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
Do splints and toe exercises work?
Toe splints, loops and silicone straighteners hold a flexible toe in a better position, and some people find that wearing them for several hours a day eases the pull on the tendon. There is limited high-quality research showing that they permanently straighten the toe, so treat them as a comfort tool rather than a cure.
Exercises aim to strengthen the small foot muscles and stretch tight tendons. Typical choices include picking up a towel with the toes, picking up marbles, and stretching the toe into a straight position for 30 seconds, repeated 5 times. Give them 6 to 12 weeks before judging the results.
What about pain relief and skin care?
Simple pain relief such as paracetamol or a topical anti-inflammatory gel may be used for flare-ups, after checking with a pharmacist or doctor. A podiatrist can safely pare down thick corns and calluses, which gives quick relief. Soak and moisturise the skin, and never cut a corn yourself with a blade.
When is injection used?
A corticosteroid injection near a toe joint is used sparingly and rarely for hammertoe, because it can weaken tendons and ligaments and may let the toe drift further. It is more often used when the joint itself is inflamed from arthritis.
How long should you try?
A fair trial is about 3 months of proper footwear, padding and exercise. If a flexible toe improves, you can continue indefinitely. If the toe is rigid, still painful, or repeatedly ulcerates, it is reasonable to discuss surgery.
Self-care
Exercises and self-care for hammertoe
Daily habits for hammertoe are simple: give the toes room, keep the tendons supple and look after the skin. Check with your doctor or physiotherapist first, especially if you have diabetes, numb feet or poor circulation.
What exercises can you do at home?
Aim for a short routine once or twice a day. Sit with your bare foot flat and try these four movements:
- Towel scrunch: pull a small towel toward you with your toes, 10 repetitions.
- Marble pickup: lift 10 marbles one at a time into a bowl, using the affected toes.
- Toe extension stretch: gently press the bent toe straight with your hand and hold for 30 seconds, 5 times.
- Calf stretch: stand facing a wall, one foot back, heel down, and hold for 30 seconds on each side.
Stop if a movement causes sharp pain, and progress gradually. The aim is comfortable work, not a deep stretch that irritates the knuckle.
How should you check your feet and skin?
Look at the tops and tips of your toes each evening, using a mirror if needed. Early redness is a signal to change the shoe or add padding. If you have diabetes or reduced feeling, a daily foot check is non-negotiable, and any blister, sore or colour change should be seen within a day or two.
Which daily habits help?
Wear socks without thick seams, and change shoes through the day so the same pressure point is not loaded all the time. Go barefoot at home on a soft surface where it is safe, since this lets the toes spread. Trim toenails straight across so the nail does not dig in when the toe curls.
What should you avoid?
Avoid tight pointed shoes, high heels for long periods, and flip-flops that make you grip with your toes. Do not use sharp tools on corns, and be careful with over-the-counter medicated pads. Avoid long periods in new shoes without breaking them in gradually. If you walk a lot, build up distance slowly and rest when the knuckle starts to ache.
These habits will not reverse a fixed toe, but they often cut pain and prevent skin damage.
Check with your doctor or physiotherapist before starting new exercises, and stop any movement that causes sharp pain.
Treatment
Hammertoe treatment options
Surgery for hammertoe is considered when a toe stays painful or fixed after sensible footwear and padding changes. The right operation depends on whether the toe is flexible or rigid and on what else is wrong in the forefoot.
Which procedures straighten a flexible hammertoe?
For a flexible toe, the surgeon rebalances the tendons rather than cutting bone. A flexor tendon transfer moves the long flexor tendon from the sole to the top of the toe, so its pull now straightens the toe rather than curling it. A simple tendon release (tenotomy) can also help mild cases. The joint stays mobile and the recovery is usually quick.
Which procedures correct a rigid hammertoe?
For a fixed toe, the common operation is a proximal interphalangeal joint resection or fusion. The surgeon removes the end of the proximal phalanx, then lines up the bones so the toe lies straight. The two bone ends are held with a small wire, pin or implant until they fuse, which gives a stable, straight toe that no longer rubs on the shoe. The toe is slightly shorter and stiffer at that joint, which most people find a fair trade for pain relief.
What if the base joint is also involved?
If the toe is cocked up at the ball of the foot, the surgeon may also release the joint capsule, repair the plantar plate or shorten the metatarsal bone. These steps belong to broader forefoot surgery, which can correct several toes and the ball of the foot in one session. Learn about how this is arranged on the forefoot surgery in turkey page, and see our forefoot surgery cost guide for how pricing is explained.
How does a bunion change the plan?
When the big toe is drifting and pushing on the second toe, correcting the hammertoe alone may fail. The surgeon often treats both together, using bunion surgery to realign the big toe, which is explained for patients travelling at bunion surgery in turkey. Our bunion surgery cost guide covers what drives the price.
What are the trade-offs?
| Option | Best suited to | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Tendon transfer or release | Flexible hammertoe | May not hold if the joint is already stiff |
| Joint resection or fusion | Rigid hammertoe | Toe is slightly shorter and stiffer |
| Plantar plate repair or bone shortening | Cocked-up or crossover toe | Longer recovery and more swelling |
| Combined bunion and toe surgery | Hammertoe caused by a bunion | More operative time and a longer limited-walking period |
Surgery is a day-case operation, usually under a local ankle block with sedation or a light general anaesthetic.
When surgery is considered
Consider surgery for hammertoe when pain, sores or shoe problems continue after about 3 months of proper conservative care. A good decision rests on how much the toe bothers you, not on how it looks.
What criteria point toward surgery?
- The toe is rigid and painful on its knuckle even in wide, deep shoes.
- Corns or calluses keep returning or ulcerate despite padding and regular podiatry care.
- The deformity limits walking, work, sport or finding any usable shoe.
- The toe is pushing a neighbouring toe out of place, or the base joint is dislocating.
- You have diabetes or reduced feeling and the toe has caused or risks an ulcer.
When is it better to wait?
If the toe is flexible and the main problem is shoes, correcting footwear first is sensible. Surgery is also best delayed while smoking is continuing, blood sugar is poorly controlled, or circulation has not been checked, since these raise the risk of wound problems. Surgery done purely for appearance is a personal choice that deserves a frank discussion of the downsides.
What should you ask your surgeon?
- Is my hammertoe flexible or rigid, and which operation does that suggest?
- Will the toe be shorter or stiffer, and how much?
- Do you plan to treat a bunion or the ball of the foot at the same time?
- How is the toe held straight, and is a pin or implant left in place?
- How long will I be in a surgical shoe, and when can I drive?
- What is the chance that the toe curls again, and what would we do then?
If you are unsure, ask for a second opinion. A free review through our case review form can help you compare plans before deciding.
Procedures
Procedures that may treat hammertoe
Costs
Hammertoe treatment cost in Turkey
| Procedure | Turkey package | US self-pay | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bunion Surgery | $3,000 – $5,500 | $13,475 | ~68% |
| Forefoot Surgery | $2,500 – $5,000 | $13,800 | ~73% |
Packages are contracted partner prices with validity dates; benchmarks are source-backed estimates. Open a cost guide for the full country comparison.
In Turkey
Treating hammertoe in Turkey
Treatment for hammertoe in turkey can suit people who have a planned, non-urgent operation and a clear diagnosis. Because the surgery is usually a day case, it is easier to combine with travel than many orthopedic operations.
When does hammertoe treatment in turkey make sense?
Forefoot surgery for hammertoe in turkey is usually planned as a short, focused trip. It suits adults who have tried conservative care, who have a stable foot without active infection or an open ulcer, and who can spare time for the first visits. It is a practical choice if you also need a bunion or other forefoot problem corrected in one trip. You can read the general case in our overview of orthopedics in turkey and our guide on why patients choose turkey.
What does the pathway look like?
- Records review: you send photos, X-rays and your history, and a surgeon reviews them remotely.
- Plan: you receive a written plan that names the operation, anaesthesia and expected stay, after any missing tests are requested.
- Travel and surgery: you arrive a day or two ahead, are examined again, and have the operation as a day case or an overnight stay.
- Early follow-up: a wound check at about 1 to 2 weeks is usually done in turkey, so plan to stay for that.
- Home follow-up: stitches, pin removal and rehab are arranged with a local clinician, as explained in our follow-up guide.
What should you send for the review?
Send photos from above, the side and behind, standing; weight-bearing X-rays of both feet; a list of medicines; and notes on diabetes, smoking and circulation. Submit them through the free case review. Our treatment planning guide explains what the plan should contain.
How should you check the facility and the surgeon?
Ask whether the hospital holds recognised accreditation, whether the surgeon is a foot and ankle specialist, and how many toe corrections they perform each year. Ask for the implant type, and how complications are handled after you leave. Our questions to ask before surgery abroad gives a checklist.
What about timing, flights and companions?
Plan around 5 to 7 nights for a toe operation, longer if you combine it with a bunion operation. Most surgeons allow a short flight once swelling has settled, but ask before booking, and read the flying after surgery guide. Bring a companion who can help in the first days.
When should you not travel?
Do not travel with an infected toe, an open ulcer or uncontrolled diabetes until your local team has treated it. If the situation needs urgent attention, see a local doctor first. For prices, see the forefoot surgery cost guide.
Complications
Complications of hammertoe
Untreated hammertoe usually stays a comfort problem, but it can lead to sores and a stiffer foot. Surgery is generally safe, yet every operation carries risks that you should hear plainly.
What happens if hammertoe is left alone?
A flexible toe can become rigid over months or years, so the choice of treatment narrows. Corns can crack and become infected. The extra pressure under the ball of the foot may cause metatarsalgia, a painful forefoot. In people with diabetes or numb feet, a pressure sore on the knuckle can turn into a deep ulcer, which is a medical priority.
What are the risks of hammertoe surgery?
Overall results are good, and most people are pleased. The risks to know about are these:
- Swelling that can last for 3 to 6 months, and sometimes longer, especially after combined forefoot work.
- Stiffness or a floppy toe, since fusing or releasing a joint changes how it moves.
- The toe curling up, drifting or recurring, which happens in a minority of cases.
- Infection or a wound that heals slowly, more likely in smokers and people with diabetes.
- Numbness or tingling at the toe tip from a small nerve, which often improves but can persist.
- Failure of the bones to fuse, or irritation from a pin or implant, which may need another operation.
- Blood clots, which are uncommon after toe surgery but possible if you are immobile.
How can the risks be lowered?
Stop smoking for several weeks before and after surgery, keep blood sugar steady, elevate the foot as told, and keep to your weight-bearing instructions. Ask your surgeon how they handle each of these risks. Contact the team promptly if you notice spreading redness, discharge, fever, or a toe that turns pale, blue or cold.
Urgent care
When to seek urgent care for hammertoe
- A red, hot, swollen toe with fever or pus: this may be infection, so see a doctor the same day, especially if you have diabetes.
- An open sore or blister on the toe that is not healing in a few days: get it checked promptly, and urgently if your feet are numb.
- A toe that turns pale, blue, black or cold: this suggests poor blood flow, so seek urgent medical care.
- Sudden severe pain, bruising and a toe that will not move after a knock: this may be a fracture and needs an X-ray.
- New numbness, weakness or foot drop alongside curled toes: see a doctor soon, since it can reflect a nerve or spine problem.
- Redness spreading up the foot after surgery, with fever or discharge: contact your surgical team the same day.
- A sudden, intensely painful toe that has become red and swollen overnight: this may be gout and should be assessed within a day.
Prevention
How to lower your risk of hammertoe
You cannot prevent every hammertoe, but good shoes and foot care reduce the chance that a flexible toe becomes fixed. The earlier you act, the more options you keep.
Which shoe habits matter most?
Choose shoes that match the shape of your foot, with a wide, deep toe box and a firm heel. Check the fit while standing and again at the end of the day. Children grow quickly, so their shoes should be re-measured about every 3 months. Keep high heels and pointed styles for short occasions rather than daily use.
How can you keep the foot muscles working?
The small muscles of the foot weaken with rigid, cushioned shoes and long hours of sitting. Walking barefoot where it is safe, doing the toe exercises described earlier, and stretching the calf each day all help the foot stay balanced. They are inexpensive and take only a few minutes.
Which conditions should you manage early?
Treating a developing bunion, flat feet or a high arch early reduces the load that forces the second toe to bend. People with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or nerve disease benefit from regular foot checks, since early signs of toe deformity can be caught before sores appear. Our pages on bunions and hallux rigidus describe how big toe problems feed into the smaller toes.
What cannot be prevented?
Inherited foot shape, ageing of the tendons and nerve or arthritis causes are outside your control. Even then, comfortable shoes and early padding often slow progression. If a toe is starting to stiffen, ask a podiatrist or foot and ankle specialist about early care rather than waiting for a sore. The foot and ankle section of our site lists the other conditions that commonly appear alongside it.
A habit of checking your feet once a week, and seeking help when something changes, is the simplest protection.
Outlook
Living with hammertoe: outlook and recovery
The outlook for hammertoe is good: most people keep a comfortable foot with the right shoes, and surgery is successful for most who need it. Results depend on the type of toe, the cause and how well recovery is managed.
What happens without surgery?
A flexible toe may stay stable for years if shoe pressure is controlled. Some people find it never worsens, while others notice it stiffening slowly. A rigid toe will not straighten without an operation, but it can often be made comfortable with deep shoes, padding and skin care.
What is recovery after surgery like?
After a toe operation you can usually walk in a stiff-soled or surgical shoe straight away, on your heel or flat foot. The foot is kept raised as much as possible for the first 2 weeks. Stitches come out at about 2 weeks, and a pin, if used, is usually removed at around 4 to 6 weeks. Swelling lessens over weeks and the toe may be thick for several months.
| Time after surgery | What to expect |
|---|---|
| First 2 weeks | Raised foot, dressing, surgical shoe, wound check and stitches out |
| 4 to 6 weeks | Pin removed if used, gentle toe movement, return to a wide shoe |
| 6 to 12 weeks | Return to most daily activity, desk work and driving as allowed |
| 3 to 6 months | Swelling settles, sport and regular shoes are usually possible |
When can you return to work and sport?
Desk work is often possible within 1 to 2 weeks, with the foot raised when you can. Jobs on your feet may need 4 to 6 weeks, and running or impact sport usually waits for 8 to 12 weeks. Driving depends on which foot was operated on and on pain control, so ask before you start. Follow-up of the foot at home is discussed in our rehabilitation guide.
How long do the results last?
For most people the straightened toe stays comfortable for many years. Recurrence is more likely if the cause, such as a bunion or tight calf, was not addressed, or if narrow shoes return. A few people need a second small operation. Keep realistic goals: the aim is a comfortable, functional toe, not a perfectly cosmetic one.
Surgeons
Specialists who treat hammertoe
FAQ
Hammertoe: frequently asked questions
What is hammertoe?
What causes hammertoe?
Can hammertoe go away on its own?
Is hammertoe surgery painful, and how long is recovery?
What happens if I leave hammertoe untreated?
Do toe splints and straighteners fix hammertoe?
What is the difference between hammertoe and mallet toe?
What shoes are best for hammertoe?
Which exercises help hammertoe?
Is hammertoe treatment in turkey safe?
Can hammertoe surgery be combined with bunion surgery in turkey?
How soon can I fly home after hammertoe surgery in turkey?
Sources
Sources for this hammertoe guide
Peer-reviewed guidance and institutional sources used to write and review this page.
- 01Hammer Toe
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo), 2022
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/hammer-toe/
- 02Hammertoe and mallet toe
Mayo Clinic, 2022
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hammertoe-and-mallet-toe/symptoms-causes/syc-20350792
- 03
- 04Hammertoe
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (FootCareMD), 2022
https://www.footcaremd.org/conditions-treatments/toes/hammertoe
- 05
- 06