Hammertoe Correction
Hammertoe deformity causes pain, corns, and difficulty wearing shoes. Dr. Bregman corrects hammertoes using minimally invasive techniques — tiny incisions, faster recovery, and superior cosmetic results.
What Is a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a progressive deformity of the lesser toes (2nd through 5th) in which the toe buckles at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, causing the toe to bend downward in a claw-like position. This abnormal position creates pressure on the top of the toe against footwear, leading to painful corns, calluses, and open sores.
Hammertoes develop due to an imbalance between the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the foot. Contributing factors include wearing tight or narrow shoes, having a longer second toe, bunion deformity, flat feet, and certain neurological conditions.
There are two types: flexible (the toe can still be straightened manually) and rigid (the joint is fixed in the bent position). Flexible hammertoes can sometimes be managed conservatively, but rigid hammertoes typically require surgical correction.
Flexible vs. Rigid Hammertoe
Flexible Hammertoe
- • Toe can be straightened manually
- • Joint is still mobile
- • Earlier stage of deformity
- • May respond to conservative treatment (splinting, wider shoes, padding)
- • Surgical correction is simpler when performed early
Rigid Hammertoe
- • Toe is fixed in bent position
- • Joint cartilage may be damaged
- • More advanced deformity
- • Conservative treatment ineffective
- • Requires surgical correction — MIS approach preferred
Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Correction
Traditional hammertoe surgery requires a long incision on top of the toe, significant soft tissue dissection, and often the placement of a temporary metal pin that protrudes through the tip of the toe for 4–6 weeks. Recovery is prolonged, and the cosmetic result can be unsatisfactory.
Dr. Bregman performs hammertoe correction using minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques through incisions smaller than 3mm. Using specialized instruments and intraoperative fluoroscopy (live X-ray guidance), he precisely corrects the deformity with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need hammertoe surgery?
Surgery is recommended when conservative measures (wider shoes, padding, splinting) have failed to relieve pain, when the deformity is rigid and cannot be manually corrected, or when corns and calluses are causing recurring skin breakdown.
Is hammertoe surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and well-controlled with over-the-counter pain medication. The MIS approach significantly reduces post-operative pain compared to traditional open surgery.
Can I walk after hammertoe surgery?
Yes. With Dr. Bregman's minimally invasive approach, patients walk immediately after surgery in a surgical shoe. You will not need crutches or a cast in most cases.
Will my hammertoe come back after surgery?
Recurrence rates are low when the underlying cause (such as a bunion) is also addressed and when proper footwear is worn after recovery. Dr. Bregman will discuss all contributing factors during your consultation.
Can multiple hammertoes be corrected at the same time?
Yes. Dr. Bregman can correct multiple hammertoes in a single procedure using MIS techniques. This is often more convenient and efficient than staging multiple separate surgeries.
Stop Living with Hammertoe Pain
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bregman to discuss minimally invasive hammertoe correction.
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