When hammer toes and claw toes cause mild pain, the simplest solution is wearing wider, more accommodating shoes to decrease friction. Helpful changes to footwear may include smaller heels, softer material such as mesh and wider toe boxes. Cushions and various soft pads over the toes or insoles may provide relief from shoe pressure. You should avoid “medicated” corn pads over the toes, which contain a strong acid that can cause chemical burns or deep open sores that pose a high risk of infection.

Surgical options should be discussed with your podiatrist if the condition continues to be painful despite conservative therapy or if finding a pair of comfortable shoes becomes a challenge.

The longer surgery is delayed in a symptomatic foot, the greater the amount of deformity that may develop. Patients who have their symptomatic hammer toes and claw toes corrected earlier tend to have greater satisfaction and recovery after the procedure.

Surgery For Hammer Toe & Claw Toe
The goal of surgical correction is to restore normal alignment and function of the toe joint. Different procedures will be recommended depending on whether the toes are still flexible or if they have become rigid, or if a claw toe is present. Sometimes a small pin is placed inside the bones to hold the toe in a proper position while it heals. If a bone spur is the cause of the problem, this can be removed through a small incision often closed by one stitch.

Recovery from Hammer Toe & Claw Toe Surgery
Following surgery, the foot is bandaged and a post-operative shoe is worn for one week. Your podiatrist may recommend wearing athletic shoes after the first week. Weight bearing exercise and prolonged standing are restricted for the first 6-8 weeks. You may gradually resume activities and transition out of the surgical shoe once healing is complete.