The procedure to correct a hammer toe or mallet toe can be done in the office or in an outpatient center using local anesthetic. Through a small incision, the bone deformity is reduced and the tendons are rebalanced around the contracted joint.  About four sutures are required.

After the procedure

You will be able to walk immediately in a special post-operative shoe, using minimal or no pain medication.

• Apply ice packs about four times a day for the first few days.  Some patients prefer to use bags of frozen peas or ice cubes in a plastic bag.
• Place your foot on a chair or table and keep it elevated as much as possible to keep swelling to a minimum.
• Because your foot is likely to have moderate swelling, you may start wearing athletic shoes that are wider or a half-size larger than usual.
• Gradually increase the amount of walking during the first two weeks.
• Some patients apply aloe vera or Vitamin E around, but not on, the healing wound to keep the skin soft.