What medical procedures correct hammertoes?

Surgical procedures to correct hammertoe include removing part of the bone, cutting tendons in the foot or fusing the joint to straighten out the toe. In many instances, surgical pins or wire hold the bones in place while the toe heals to prevent it from returning to the curled position.

Causes of hammertoe include muscle imbalance, arthritis and shoes that do not fit well. Surgery is typically only performed when the condition results in severe pain, sores, irritation or infection, explains the U.S. National Library of Medicine. In treating the condition, doctors often advise patients to get sufficient exercise while wearing roomier shoes and/or footwear with inserts, according to Mayo Clinic.