Recovery From Hammertoe Surgery: What You Need to Know

Posted January 06, 2025 in Hammertoes

Close up of a female's feet and slippers

Hammertoe surgery can help patients limit pain, improve mobility, and get back to feeling like themselves. Recovery doesn’t have to be a scary thing: this blog discusses everything you need to know about hammertoe surgery recovery, including pain, swelling, bruising when you can walk, and what to expect week by week.

4 Min Read:

How Bad Is Hammertoe Surgery Recovery?

No one wants to undergo surgery, but if your hammertoe is causing you chronic pain, limiting your ability to walk, and interfering with your daily life—surgery is probably your best shot.

At Chelsea Foot & Ankle, we always begin with conservative treatment to avoid unnecessary invasive measures. But in some cases, especially with rigid hammertoe, when those conservative options fail, surgery is inevitable. One of the top concerns of patients is how difficult recovery is—understandably, since losing mobility for any period of time can be extremely frustrating. But, the more you know about recovery, the better you can prepare and make healing a breeze.

What to Expect From Hammertoe Recovery

Hammertoe surgery generally is one of two options:

Joint resection (arthroplasty): During this procedure, the surgeon cuts the constricted ligaments and tendons to release the joint, removes a small portion of bone, and sometimes places a temporary pin to prevent the toe from moving.

Fusion (arthrodesis): The surgeon performs a joint resection as above and removes the ends of the bones to prepare them to grow together (fuse). Pins may be used to keep the joint stable, but our surgeons prefer to use joint implants so patients can return to wearing regular shoes sooner.

After surgery, your main symptom will be persistent swelling, which can last up to six weeks. Discomfort is relatively mild and only in the treatment area itself. Most patients experience mild pain for a few days and can manage with over-the-counter medications. There typically isn’t much bruising after hammertoe surgery, and if there is, it usually resolves within two weeks.

Hammertoe Recovery Timeline

Our surgeons aim to minimize trauma, allowing our patients to walk as soon as they leave surgery. We provide a special protective shoe that keeps your healing toe(s) supported and allows you to walk. Although it’s not always necessary, you may need a cane for a few weeks to help you walk.

Everyone is a little different and has different healing processes, but the following is a general hammertoe recovery timeline with healing milestones.

Week One:

Wear your boot whenever standing or walking.
Keep your foot elevated whenever possible to reduce swelling.
You may use cold compresses to help with discomfort and swelling.
Work from home, if possible. If not, elevate your foot at work.

Week Two:

Discomfort should be greatly improved.
You may be able to comfortably put pressure on your foot.
Depending on your job, you should be able to return to work.

Week Three:

Some patients may be able to transition out of the surgical boot.
Pins and sutures are removed.

Week Four:

Swelling should be greatly improved.
Begin physical therapy.

Week Five and Beyond:

Most patients are close to full recovery, with some residual swelling.
Most patients can return to regular activities.

What Exercises Can I Do After Hammertoe Surgery?

We recommend incorporating periodic standing and very light walking within your home as soon as possible after hammertoe surgery. This helps to keep the blood circulating, which induces healing and prevents blood clots. Of course, we don’t want you to push yourself, but light movement is immensely helpful to your healing process.

Once you are feeling more like yourself and can remove your surgical boot, you can resume some light exercises, except anything that can hurt your feet, such as running, jogging, or weight lifting. Floor exercises are a great option.

Your physical therapist will guide you through exercises specifically designed to strengthen your feet and toes after hammertoe surgery. One option you can do at home (after clearance from your doctor) is to practice picking up small objects with your toes to strengthen the ligaments.

Another important aspect of hammertoe recovery (really any recovery period) is eating healthy. Nourishing your body is key to a productive recovery process. Takeout won’t cut it—no matter how tempting! Keep a balanced diet with plenty of healthy fats, like avocados and walnuts, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens. Try to reduce sources of inflammation like alcoholic beverages, dairy, and food rich in refined sugar.

Want to Learn More About Hammertoe Surgery in NYC?

Hammertoe surgery doesn’t have to keep you off your feet—in fact, the experts at Chelsea Foot & Ankle can help get you up, walking, and feeling better than ever before. Call us today at (646) 929-4149 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.