Hammertoe

Cost & Item Codes – Our fees are quoted on a case-by-case basis after your initial consultation with the surgical podiatrist as each patient presents differently and each surgery varies from patient to patient. Please book an initial consultation to discuss this further.

Scans – We recommend you have weight bearing x-rays prior to your appointment.

Telehealth – We may be able to offer an initial telehealth appointment if you live a distance away. Phone one of our friendly staff to see if this is possible for you. We may ask you to email some photos prior to your appointment. (1. from patient looking down at the front of their foot/feet 2. if someone can take a photo at floor level from behind of foot/feet)

Do I need surgery? – Although your doctor may recommend an operation to improve toe alignment and function of your foot and reduce pain, it is your decision if you go ahead with the operation or not.

Problems of the small toes do not get better without surgery. Conservative treatments will usually prevent them from getting rapidly worse. Your toes should be straighter, so your foot should fit more comfortably in a normal shoe. The skin on the toes can become inflamed and infected.

Duration – The procedure typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes and patients can usually return home the same day.

Anaesthesia – Surgery can be performed under local anaesthesia, or general anaesthesia, depending on the doctor’s and the patient’s preferences.

Medications – Your doctor or anaesthetist may give you antibiotics during the operation to reduce the risk of infection.

Smoking – If you are a smoker, you need to stop the habit of smoking 4 weeks before your operation for normal healing and reduce postoperative complications. Nicotine is known to stop bones from healing.

Patients must follow their doctor’s instructions carefully during recovery to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.

The recovery process following small toe surgery varies depending on the type of surgery performed and the individual patient. In general, the following timelines can be expected:

Immediately after surgery: Go home and rest. Elevate your foot as often and as much as possible to reduce swelling. Minimal weight bearing with foot/feet elevated, getting up for essential things only like toilet breaks 5-10 minutes maximum per hour.

• Avoid smoking
• Take pain medication as instructed
• Some blood ooze can be expected in the bandage.

The first few days: You will need to rest and elevate your foot as much as possible.

1-4 weeks: Do not pull at scabs but let them fall away naturally. If your wound becomes red, swollen, or sore, you need to see your surgeon. Keep the foot dry. You may shower with a waterproof cover over your foot.

Tenotomy – no stitches required, toe bandage for 1 week.

Rest – 2-5 days (minimal weight bearing for essential things only like bathroom breaks 5-10 minutes maximum per hour)

Walk – 1-2 weeks (movement limited outside of house)

Driving – 1-2 days (for any hospital procedures under general anaesthesia, you cannot drive until after 24 hours when you are off narcotics. Therefore, you will need someone to drive you home from hospital)

Return to sedentary work – 2-5 days (If you work at a desk with minimal time on your feet and you are able to elevate your foot/feet)

Return to active work – 2-3 weeks (If you have a physical job or are standing a lot and unable to elevate your foot/feet)

Low impact exercise – 1 week (slow walking, cycling, golf using a caddie)

High impact exercise – 2-3 weeks (fast walking, running, jumping, playing sport)

Arthroplasty – stitches removed week 2. Your wound needs to be kept dry until stitches are removed.

Rest – 1-2 weeks (minimal weight bearing for essential things only like bathroom breaks 5-10 minutes maximum per hour)

Walk – 2-3 weeks (movement limited outside of house)

Driving – 2-4 weeks (for any hospital procedures under general anaesthesia, you cannot drive until after 24 hours when you are off narcotics. Therefore, you will need someone to drive you home from hospital)

Return to sedentary work – 1-2 weeks (If you work at a desk with minimal time on your feet and you are able to elevate your foot/feet)

Return to active work – 3-6 weeks (If you have a physical job or are standing a lot and unable to elevate your foot/feet)

Low impact exercise – 2-4 weeks (slow walking, cycling, golf using a caddie)

High impact exercise – 4-6 weeks (fast walking, running, jumping, playing sport)

Arthrodesis – stitches removed week 2. Your wound needs to be kept dry until stitches are removed.

Rest – 1-2 weeks (minimal weight bearing for essential things only like bathroom breaks 5-10 minutes maximum per hour)

Walk – 4 weeks (movement limited outside of house)

Driving – 4-6 weeks (for any hospital procedures under general anaesthesia, you cannot drive until after 24 hours when you are off narcotics. Therefore, you will need someone to drive you home from hospital)

Return to sedentary work – 1-2 weeks (If you work at a desk with minimal time on your feet and you are able to elevate your foot/feet)

Return to active work – 3-6 weeks (If you have a physical job or are standing a lot and unable to elevate your foot/feet)

Low impact exercise – 4-6 weeks (slow walking, cycling, golf using a caddie)

High impact exercise – 6-8 weeks (fast walking, running, jumping, playing sport)

Symptoms relieve with a straight toe once the wound heals. The swelling often takes up to six months to go down completely. You should always wear comfortable shoes that have enough space for your toes. Wearing shoes with high heels or pointed toes may cause more toe problems in the future.