How long does hammer toe surgery recovery take?

Recovery from hammer toe surgery typically takes 4-6 weeks for initial healing and 3-4 months for full recovery. If a pin was used, it's usually removed after 3-4 weeks. Swelling can persist for several months. Many patients have hammer toe surgery combined with bunion surgery, which extends the overall recovery.

Is hammer toe surgery painful?

Most patients report moderate pain for the first 1-2 weeks after surgery, managed with prescribed pain medication. Many patients say the post-surgical discomfort is manageable but that the toe stiffness during recovery is more bothersome than the pain itself.

Can hammer toes come back after surgery?

Hammer toes can recur after surgery, particularly if the underlying cause (such as muscle imbalance or footwear habits) isn't addressed. Arthrodesis (fusion) has a lower recurrence rate than arthroplasty. Wearing proper footwear and doing toe exercises can help prevent recurrence.

What shoes should I wear after hammer toe surgery?

Post-surgery footwear progression typically goes: surgical shoe for 2-4 weeks, then a wide athletic shoe with a roomy toe box. Brands frequently recommended by patients include Hoka, New Balance (wide), and Skechers with extra-wide options. Avoid narrow or pointed shoes.

Dear nice people on Facebook, I would be super grateful for

From Bunion Surgery / Foot Surgery Support

Dear nice people on Facebook, I would be super grateful for advice please. I had an NHS operation on my left foot in October and the position of the big toe was such that it caused the second and third toe to solidify into hammertoes. I was devastated. The pain was much worse after the op than before it. I have a chance to have revision surgery (also on the NHS) but am frankly terrified that it could make it even worse. The surgeon seems to want to correct only the hammertoes but the position of the big toe and pressure it exerts will, I believe, cause those corrected hammertoes to recur. At the moment I have found a way to reduce the pain but after walking a little the second toe really throbs. I am 58 and not sure whether the risk of more surgery is worth it. The surgeon has a good reputation. Thanks in advance for any feedback. Hugs and prayers, Athena

surgery Austin osteotomy MIS revision surgery

Comments (6)

Lisa Bucherati Mather This looks totally misaligned. I wouldn’t think he could fix just the toes without fixing the big toe first! I wouldn’t consider a second opinion.

Community member

I’m so sorry this happened to you. I had a scarf osteotomy last year and all went well so I’m getting the other one done next Wednesday with the same surgeon. I was initially offered surgery with another surgeon at another hospital but decided to go to my current hospital instead. Are you able to pick another surgeon if this one doesn’t seem to be helping you?

Community member

Hi everyone, I had MIS with the NHS on my right foot in March but the big toe is still pushing against the second toe and the second toe bone seems to be curling. Will this get better or worse with time? At the moment I still sleep with a bandage to prevent irritation and can only wear a pair of shoes that ressembles a boat. After only an hour or so of walking the second toe throbs. I will post about the other foot soon! Hugs to you all,

Community member

I’m obvi not a surgeon but I feel like you should’ve had that wedge cut done too to straighten the big toe… both Austin Akin MIS procedures

Community member

Dear lovely friends, I am in a bit of a dilemma and would value advice. After the Scarf and Akin surgery in October went wrong and the surgeon decided not to correct the hammertoes and to leave the big toe floating and pushing against the second toe, I am scared to do revision surgery. It would be lapidus surgery and hammertoe surgery on three toes. He is a very good surgeon and expert in his field but I don’t have that much pain now ( more than before the surgery but not cons

Community member

Agreed I got 6 opinions over the course of a year pre surgery. The importance that I would follow is trying the least invasive first as anything done is likely a permanent change so be cautious. I was recommended to have several different surgeries an

Community member