That sharp, nagging pinch on the side of your little toe every time you slip on a closed shoe? It could be a bone spur quietly making your daily walk miserable. A simple, outpatient procedure can smooth that spur and give your toes the room they need to feel normal again.
Dr. D. Sean Sweeney, DPM, FACFAS, and Dr. Christy Leahey, DPM, FACFAS, at Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists have spent more than 20 years performing precise, comfort-focused toe surgeries for patients throughout Greater Houston. Their reputation as repeat winners of Living Magazine’s Best Podiatrist in The Woodlands speaks to the trust our community places in their care.
What Is a Toe Bone Spur?
A bone spur is a small, bony growth that forms on the edges of a toe, usually as a response to long-term pressure or friction. They most commonly appear on the fifth (little) toe, but they can develop on any toe.
Common spur locations include:
- The outside of the fifth toe, next to the toenail
- The tip of the fifth toe, where it presses against the fourth toe
- The inside base of the fifth toe, often paired with a soft corn
- The side of any toe exposed to repeated shoe pressure
Because tight or narrow shoes encourage toes to crowd one another, footwear is often a key contributing factor.
When Surgery Is the Right Choice
If padding, wider shoes, and conservative care no longer ease the discomfort, surgical correction offers a permanent solution. You may be a strong candidate if you experience persistent pain, skin irritation over the spur, or recurring corns and calluses that affect daily activity.
The Surgical Procedure
Toe bone spur surgery is typically quick and minimally invasive. Your podiatrist makes a small incision near the spur and smooths the bone with a rasp or power burr. Many cases need only a single stitch.
- If the spur sits next to the toenail, a small portion of the nail may be removed.
- If the fifth toe also curves slightly, a tiny additional incision can release the underlying tendon.
- When the spur is paired with a soft corn between the fourth and fifth toes, a different technique is used—learn more on our soft corn surgical correction page.
Recovery and What to Expect
A small bandage or Band-Aid is placed over the incision, and most patients wear a cam walker boot until regular footwear feels comfortable. Stitches are typically removed in seven to ten days, and the area must stay dry to help prevent infection.
If your job is sedentary, you may return to work the next day in your post-op shoe. Jobs requiring long hours of standing, work boots, or snug dress shoes may need 10–14 days or more off. The golden rule during healing: if an activity hurts, don’t do it.
Possible Complications
Toe spur surgery has a strong safety record. Infection, delayed healing, or spur recurrence are uncommon and usually linked to overactivity during recovery.
Why Choose Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists for Bone Spur Surgery in The Woodlands, TX?
Patients across The Woodlands, Magnolia, and Spring choose Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists because we blend seasoned surgical expertise with a genuinely warm, patient-centered approach. Drs. Sweeney and Leahey are both board-certified Fellows of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and our team has been honored as The Woodlands’ Best Podiatrist by Living Magazine every year since 2012.
Beyond surgery, we offer advanced recovery support, including MLS laser therapy—an FDA-cleared treatment with an 85–90% efficacy rate for reducing post-surgical pain and inflammation. Every plan is built around your goals, your shoes, and your activity level.
Ready to Step Out of Toe Pain?
Bone spurs don’t have to limit the shoes you wear or the steps you take. With a brief, well-tolerated procedure and a thoughtful recovery plan, you can get back to comfortable, confident movement. Schedule your consultation today with Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists in The Woodlands at (281) 292-4944 or in Magnolia at (281) 789-4956.