Hammer toes in the 2nd to 5th toes have many causes. It can be congenital, but in many cases hammer toes develop because inappropriate footwear has been worn. Hammer toes can vary from mild to severe cases with stiff and deformed toes. It is typically in the middle joint of the 2nd to 5th toes that the problems occur.

What are the symptoms of hammer toe?

Pain and difficulty fitting footwear as well as wound formation on the top of the toe are the most common symptoms.

The examination

You will be examined by an orthopaedic surgeon, who will ask thoroughly about your problem. Medical imaging is usually not necessary.

How are hammer toes treated?

If you have pain and difficulty walking in roomy footwear, you can choose to have surgery.

In mild cases of hammer toes, surgery on soft tissues (tendons and joint capsule) is often sufficient. In more severe cases of hammer toes, the middle joint of the toe must be removed, which subsequently becomes stiff. In more severe cases of hammer toes, the toes can become stiff, although this is a rare condition.

In connection with the operation, a metal wire (K-wire) can in some cases be inserted into the toe to keep the toe extended.

Approximately 80-85% of patients are satisfied with the result of the operation.

You can expect swelling and tenderness of the foot for 1-2 months after the operation, even though it is a minor procedure. The operated toe may become slightly shorter and thicker.

If it is an uncomplicated operation for hammer toes, it will be performed under local anaesthesia, where the toe itself is locally anaesthetised.

You will have a dressing applied to the foot which must remain in place until the follow-up after 8-12 days and you must wear a flat sandal for 3 weeks. You may bear full weight on the foot.