Do you need a referral for hammer toe surgery?

Hammer toe surgery is considered after a specialist examines the toe, checks its flexibility and alignment, and discusses symptoms, footwear, activity, and previous treatment. A referral can help document the problem and direct you to a podiatric or orthopedic surgeon. Surgery is not automatically needed because a toe looks bent; pain, rubbing, difficulty wearing shoes, and failure of suitable non-surgical measures are part of the decision.

Contact the service you plan to use and ask whether you can self-book or need a referral from a doctor. Gather details about when the deformity changed, where shoes rub, and whether the toe can still straighten. Bring a medication list and any relevant foot reports. A clinician may discuss wider toe alignment, skin pressure, circulation, sensation, and options such as footwear changes before recommending an operation.

Seek prompt medical help for a toe wound that is worsening, spreading redness, drainage, fever, sudden severe pain, or a toe that becomes pale, blue, cold, or numb. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced foot sensation should arrange assessment early when a pressure area or sore appears.

Ask what is causing the bend, whether the toe is flexible, which non-surgical options remain, and what procedure is being considered. Discuss recovery restrictions, wound care, footwear, pain control, and how the plan changes if another toe or joint is also affected.