As previously mentioned, hammertoe is when one or more toes have an abnormal bend in the middle of a joint. This deformity typically occurs because of an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that usually hold the toe straight. There are a few different categories of hammertoes, including mild hammertoes and severe crossover toe hammertoes. That being said, for a hammer toe release procedure, flexible hammertoes will be targeted. When the hammertoe is flexible, the toe can be manually straightened through a tendon release or tendon transfer procedure. A tendon release oftentimes requires a small incision on the bottom of the toe to surgically cut (or release) the tendon, in order to return the toe to its normal, straight position. There are two different in-office release procedures, a flexor tenotomy and an extensor tenotomy. Continue reading on to learn more about the hammertoe tendon release procedures.