A hammer toe is a toe that is bent permanently downwards, often as a result of pressure from footwear
If one of your toes has developed a persistent bend at the middle joint, you may find it difficult to wear certain shoes comfortably. Hammer toe can cause rubbing, corns, pain when walking and difficulty with everyday activities.
At Fairfield Independent Hospital in St Helens, we offer fast access to private hammer toe treatment, delivered by experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeons specialising in foot and ankle conditions. Whether your symptoms are mild or more advanced, your treatment plan is tailored to reduce pain, correct deformity where appropriate and improve mobility.
Early assessment can help prevent worsening deformity and long-term discomfort.
Hammer toe is a deformity that causes the toe to bend downward at the middle joint, creating a claw-like appearance.
It most commonly affects the second, third or fourth toes. The condition often develops gradually and may initially be flexible, meaning the toe can still be straightened manually.
Over time, the deformity can become fixed or rigid, making correction more difficult without surgical intervention.
Common causes include:
Symptoms may include pain when walking, corns or calluses on the top of the toe and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably.
Early intervention can help prevent progression.
Treatment depends on the severity of the deformity and the level of discomfort.
Conservative options may include:
If symptoms persist despite these measures, surgical correction may be recommended.
Surgery aims to straighten the toe by adjusting tendons, removing part of the joint or fusing the joint in a corrected position, depending on the type of deformity.
Your consultant will explain the most appropriate surgical approach based on your individual condition.
The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, improve shoe comfort and restore foot function.
Hammer toe surgery can be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation or under general anaesthetic, and the choice usually depends on the complexity of the procedure.
A small incision is made over the affected toe. The surgeon may release or reposition tendons to allow the toe to straighten. In rigid deformities, part of the bone may be removed or the joint fused to maintain a corrected position.
In some cases, a temporary pin may be inserted to hold the toe straight during healing. This is usually removed after several weeks.
The procedure generally takes less than an hour, and most patients return home the same day.
The aim is to correct the deformity, relieve pressure and improve overall foot alignment.
The cost of hammer toe surgery at Fairfield Independent Hospital in St Helens depends on your individual treatment plan and the complexity of the deformity. Prices also vary depending on which consultant you choose.
During your first appointment, your consultant will outline the recommended surgical approach and provide clear, transparent pricing information before you proceed.
We offer fixed-price packages that typically include surgical fees, anaesthetic, hospital care and follow-up appointments. Your initial consultation and any imaging or tests needed to make a diagnosis are usually charged separately.
If you have private medical insurance, you should confirm your level of cover directly with your provider. For self-funding patients, the hospital team can provide detailed pricing information and discuss available payment options.
Transparency ensures that you understand the financial aspects of your care before making a decision.
Your treatment journey begins with a detailed consultation.
During your appointment, your consultant will ask about your symptoms, when you first noticed the toe deformity and whether pain is affecting your daily life. You may describe difficulty fitting into shoes, tenderness over the toe joint or thickened skin due to friction.
A physical examination will assess the flexibility of the affected toe, the position of neighbouring toes and overall foot alignment. In some cases, X-rays may be arranged to evaluate the joint and bone structure.
Treatment depends on whether the hammer toe is flexible or rigid. Flexible deformities may respond to conservative management, while rigid deformities are more likely to require surgery.
Your consultant will explain all available options clearly and develop a personalised treatment plan suited to your needs.
After surgery, your foot will be bandaged and may feel swollen or tender. You may be advised to wear a special postoperative shoe to protect the toe while walking.
Elevation of the foot during the first few days helps reduce swelling. Pain is typically manageable with prescribed medication. Stitches are usually removed after around two weeks. If a pin has been used, it is removed during a follow-up appointment.
Most patients return to comfortable footwear within a few weeks, although full healing may take a few months. Following your consultant’s aftercare advice is essential to achieve the best possible outcome.
When you choose to go private with Fairfield Independent Hospital in St Helens, you can expect:
Foot surgery requires precision and careful planning. At Fairfield Independent Hospital, hammer toe procedures are performed by experienced orthopaedic surgeons specialising in foot and ankle conditions.
Prompt access to specialist care allows you to address discomfort early and improve mobility and shoe comfort.
If hammer toe is causing pain or limiting your ability to wear comfortable footwear, arranging a specialist consultation is the first step.
To book an appointment to discuss hammer toe treatment with an orthopaedic surgeon near you, give us a call and one of our friendly advisers will help you find an appointment time that suits you.
Reception: 01744 739 311
Mon - Sun: 8am to 8pm
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