Another alternative
 

Check with your podiatrist. One thing that can be done is to cut the tendon underneath the toe. This is a very simple five minute procedure, done under local anesthetic, that requires no painful rehab. In fact, no rehab at all! You walk out of the office and that is that other than a follow up visit. Now, this is not meant to correct a severe hammer toe but it might relax the toe just enough so it doesn't rub on your shoe. I have had this done on two toes and while they look the same, they are down just a bit so they don't bother me any more. My wife has also had this done. If you're concerned about having the more radical surgery, talk with your podiatrist and see if this might be something you can try first.

I had the surgery. Mine was simple. I was in and out with no down time. They did snip something. I am a dancer and walker and it caused no problem. I know .. I should have asked more questions, but I trusted my doctor.

Most of what you said is true, but that procedure only works on "flexible" hammertoes, not "rigid" ones. And it is most commonly used on what is called a "mallet toe", where the contraction is at the last joint, closest to the toenail...