A Simple In-Office Option—No Pins, No Hospital
If you have a toe that’s bent and rubbing in your shoes—especially if you’re constantly dealing with a painful callus on top—you’re likely dealing with a hammertoe. Most people assume fixing it means surgery in a hospital with pins and a long recovery. That’s not always the case. At Shoal Creek Foot & Ankle Center, we offer a much simpler option at both our Joplin and Springfield locations.
What Is a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a deformity where one of the smaller toes bends downward at the joint due to a tendon imbalance. Over time, the toe can become more rigid and increasingly irritated in shoes.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain or pressure in shoes
- Corns or calluses (especially on top of the toe)
- Redness or irritation
- Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
Hammertoes are progressive—they don’t correct themselves and typically worsen over time.
Why That Callus Keeps Coming Back
That thick spot on top of your toe isn’t random. When the toe is bent, it presses against your shoe with every step. That constant friction leads to a buildup of skin—a callus or corn. You can trim it, pad it, or ignore it… but until the toe position is corrected, it will keep coming back.
A Simpler Solution: Flexor Tendon Release
For many patients, a flexor tendon release (flexor tenotomy) is an effective, minimally invasive way to correct a hammertoe—without traditional surgery.
What to expect:
- The toe is numbed with local anesthesia
- A small needle is used to release the tight tendon causing the deformity
- The toe straightens immediately
- A soft dressing or splint is applied
No incision. No stitches. No pins. No hospital visit.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Recovery is typically straightforward:
- You can walk immediately after the procedure
- A sandal or surgical shoe may be recommended briefly
- Dressings are kept in place for about a week
- We follow up at around two weeks to ensure proper healing
Most patients experience minimal discomfort and return to normal shoes quickly.
Is This Procedure Right for You?
A flexor tendon release is often a great option for:
- Flexible or mildly rigid hammertoes
- Painful corns or calluses caused by toe pressure
- Patients looking to avoid more invasive surgery
During your visit, we’ll evaluate your toe and recommend the best treatment based on your specific condition.
Don’t Wait Until It Gets Worse
The longer a hammertoe progresses, the more rigid it becomes—limiting your treatment options and often leading to more invasive procedures. Addressing it early usually means a simpler fix and a faster recovery. If you’re tired of dealing with a bent toe or recurring callus, it may be time to correct the problem instead of managing the symptoms. Call Shoal Creek Foot & Ankle Center to schedule an appointment in Joplin or Springfield and find out if a quick, in-office procedure is right for you.
Shoal Creek Foot & Ankle Center 