5th Digit Hammertoe Surgery

Fifth digit hammertoe surgery has a similar recovery to bunion surgery where you are able to bear weight immediately, and you get back into a gym shoe in a short amount of time.

After 5th digit hammertoe surgery, patients usually experience mild pain for a few days. They are able to immediately bear weight and wear a surgical shoe. Patients wear the surgical shoe for 2-3 weeks, and also have to keep the foot clean and dry during that time. At 2-3 weeks, the sutures will be removed and patients will be allowed to wear a gym shoe. At about 4-8 weeks, the patients are allowed to return to exercise (e.g., running and jumping) and wear different shoes.

Fifth digits hammertoe surgery is very successful, although it will never be perfect or without risk. Healing is determined by the success of the surgery, genetics, and compliance with instructions, all combined. As with all surgeries, Dr. Manson tells his patients that their toes will take 4-6 months before swelling completely subsides and they can start to see their true result and final cosmetic appearance. Some more serious complications of toe surgery are, but are not limited to, floating toe, crooked healing, numbness, creases/scarring to the skin, or a swollen or painful toe.