Small toe surgery straightens a hammer, claw or mallet toe that has become fixed and painful or rubs on footwear. The approach is matched to whether the toe is still flexible, and it is usually a day-case procedure.
When is small toe surgery considered?
Surgery is considered when a bent small toe is painful, fixed, rubbing in shoes, causing recurrent corns or affecting walking despite footwear changes and padding.
Can I avoid surgery?
What happens during the procedure
The surgeon confirms whether the toe is flexible or fixed
Tendons, joints or bone are corrected according to the deformity pattern
The toe may be held straight with a temporary wire or internal fixation
A dressing and protective shoe support the toe while it heals
Recovery timeline
- First 2 weeks — elevation and wound care
- 4–6 weeks — protected walking while swelling settles
- 6–8 weeks — many patients return to roomy normal footwear
- 3–6 months — residual swelling gradually improves
Risks & complications
Risks include infection, stiffness, swelling, recurrence, transfer pain, numbness and delayed wound healing. Some toes remain slightly swollen for several months.
Costs & insurance
Self-pay consultations are £250 (new) and £175 (follow-up). The procedure price is confirmed after your consultation. We are recognised by all the main insurers including Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva and Cigna.
Questions & answers
If it is still flexible, symptoms can improve with shoes, padding and exercises. A fixed painful deformity usually needs surgery to straighten it.
The aim is a straighter, more comfortable toe that fits shoes better. Mild swelling or stiffness can remain.
Yes, when the bunion is contributing to crowding, both problems may be corrected during the same treatment plan.
Many patients move back to roomy footwear at around 6 to 8 weeks, depending on swelling and wound healing.
