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Hammertoe Treatment in Aberdeen, NJ | NJ Sports Spine & Wellness
The toe didn't always look like that. Maybe it started after a long stretch in shoes that pinched, or after a bunion changed how your foot loaded weight, or after your second toe just quietly decided one day not to lie flat anymore. Then a corn appeared on top of the joint, where shoes rub. Then a callus showed up under the ball of the foot. And now the toe stays bent - even when nothing is pressing against it.
Hammertoes are common, progressive, and very treatable. Our podiatrist at NJ Sports Spine & Wellness in Aberdeen, NJ sees them at every stage - from a barely noticeable curl that responds to a different shoe, to a rigid, painful deformity that needs surgical correction. The right approach depends on how flexible the toe still is, how much it hurts, and what you need your feet to do.
This page covers what a hammertoe is, why they develop, how we treat them, and what makes our practice a good fit for serious foot care.
- Hammertoe Treatment in Aberdeen, NJ
- What Is a Hammertoe?
- Common Hammertoe Symptoms
- What Causes a Hammertoe?
- Non-Surgical Hammertoe Treatment in Aberdeen, NJ
- Hammertoe Surgery in Aberdeen, NJ
- Benefits of Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Correction in Aberdeen, NJ
- Why Choose NJ Sports Spine & Wellness for Hammertoe Treatment in Aberdeen, NJ
- Frequently Asked Questions About Hammertoes
What Is a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a toe deformity in which the middle joint of the toe bends downward, forcing the tip to point toward the floor. The shape resembles the head of a hammer - which is exactly where the name comes from. It most commonly affects the second, third, or fourth toe, and it often shows up in feet that already have a bunion or significant mechanical issues.
Hammertoes fall into two categories, and the distinction matters for treatment:
Flexible hammertoe
The toe is bent but can still be manually straightened. Treatment focuses on preserving flexibility, controlling pain, and slowing progression.
Rigid hammertoe
The toe has lost the ability to straighten. The joint has stiffened, and surgical correction is usually the most effective path forward.
Most hammertoes start flexible and gradually become rigid if they aren't addressed. That's why earlier care almost always means more options.
Common Hammertoe Symptoms
Hammertoes announce themselves through both visual changes and patterns of pain. Many patients first notice the appearance - a toe that's curled where it didn't used to be, or that stays bent even when there's no shoe touching it. The discomfort tends to follow shortly after.
Common signs of a hammertoe include:
- A visibly bent middle toe joint
- A corn or thickened skin on top of the affected toe, from shoe friction
- Calluses on the ball of the foot beneath the bent toe
- Pain in the toe when walking, standing, or wearing certain shoes
- Redness, swelling, or warmth around the joint
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the toe
- Open sores or blisters in advanced cases, especially in patients with diabetes
- Difficulty finding shoes that don't aggravate the joint
The corn or callus is often what brings patients in. The pain at the top of the toe - where shoes rub against the raised joint - becomes a daily irritation that doesn't respond to home remedies, because the underlying problem is structural.
What Causes a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe develops when the muscles and tendons that control the toe fall out of balance. The tendons that pull the toe up and the ones that pull it down work against each other, and when that balance shifts - usually over years - the joint settles into a bent position.
Several factors contribute to that imbalance:
- Genetics and foot structure - Some feet are simply built in a way that predisposes them to hammertoes. If your parents had them, your risk is higher.
- Footwear - Shoes that crowd the toes - narrow, pointed, or too short - force them into a bent position over and over until the position becomes permanent. High heels concentrate the problem by pushing weight forward.
- Bunions - When a bunion pushes the big toe inward, it crowds the neighboring toes and often triggers hammertoe formation in the second toe.
- Arthritis - Inflammatory joint disease damages the small joints of the toes and can lead to progressive deformity.
- Injury - A previous toe fracture, jam, or trauma can alter mechanics and trigger a hammertoe over time.
- Nerve and muscle conditions - Diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and certain neurological conditions weaken the small muscles of the foot and can accelerate hammertoe formation.
The takeaway: you didn't get a bunion because you wore the wrong shoes once. It's almost always a combination of how your foot is built and how it's been used over years.
Non-Surgical Hammertoe Treatment in Aberdeen, NJ
When a hammertoe is still flexible, conservative care can be remarkably effective. The goal isn't full anatomical correction - once the joint has started bending, complete straightening usually requires surgery - but to control pain, preserve flexibility, and slow the slide toward a rigid joint.
Our podiatrist builds non-surgical plans around what's actually causing your symptoms. Common options include:
Footwear changes
This is often the single most important step. Shoes with a wider, deeper toe box give the toes room to lie flat. Soft, flexible uppers reduce friction over the bent joint. Lower heels shift weight off the forefoot. These changes alone can dramatically reduce pain.
Custom orthotics
A properly designed orthotic supports the arch, controls pronation, and redistributes pressure away from the ball of the foot and the bent toe joint. For patients whose hammertoes are driven by foot mechanics - not just shoes - orthotics are often the most impactful single treatment.
Toe splints and pads
Gel pads cushion the corn or callus and reduce friction inside the shoe. Splints can hold the toe in a straighter position and help maintain flexibility. Neither corrects the underlying deformity, but both can meaningfully reduce day-to-day pain.
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Targeted exercises - toe stretches, towel scrunches, marble pickups - strengthen the small intrinsic muscles of the foot and improve toe flexibility. When a hammertoe is caught early, consistent exercise can slow or sometimes halt progression.
Anti-inflammatory care
For flare-ups, ice protocols, topical or oral anti-inflammatories, and occasional corticosteroid injections can break the pain cycle and let the joint calm down.
Physical therapy
Because NJ Sports Spine & Wellness brings podiatry and physical therapy under one roof, our podiatrist often coordinates with our PT team for gait retraining and lower-extremity strengthening when foot mechanics are part of the picture.
Many patients with flexible hammertoes manage them effectively for years on this kind of layered plan. The conversation about surgery starts when the joint stiffens, when conservative care can no longer control the pain, or when secondary problems - like recurring infected corns or skin ulcers - start showing up.
Hammertoe Surgery in Aberdeen, NJ
When a hammertoe has become rigid, or when pain persists despite consistent conservative care, surgical correction can realign the toe and resolve the symptoms that have been pulling your attention down to your foot all day.
Several surgical approaches are available, and the right one depends on the specifics of your deformity:
Tendon release or transfer
for flexible hammertoes that don't respond to conservative care. The procedure rebalances the tendons that are pulling the toe into the bent position.
Arthroplasty
for rigid hammertoes. A small portion of the stiffened joint is removed to allow the toe to straighten.
Arthrodesis (joint fusion)
for severe, painful rigid hammertoes. The joint is fused in a corrected position, providing permanent stability and pain relief.
Many of these corrections can now be performed using minimally invasive techniques. Small incisions, specialized instruments, and modern fixation hardware allow the procedure to be done with less trauma to the surrounding tissue. The cosmetic result is better, and patients generally experience less postoperative discomfort and a sooner return to walking.
Our podiatrist will examine your foot, review imaging, and recommend the approach most likely to give you a durable, functional result - not just for the affected toe, but for your foot as a whole.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Correction in Aberdeen, NJ
Modern minimally invasive techniques have changed what hammertoe surgery looks like and feels like:
- Smaller incisions and minimal visible scarring
- Less disruption to surrounding tendons and soft tissue
- Reduced post-operative swelling and discomfort
- Earlier weight-bearing in most cases
- Precise correction of the joint with modern fixation
- Better long-term cosmetic and functional outcomes
These advantages matter especially for patients who want their feet to look and function normally, and who can't afford to be off their feet for an extended period.
Why Choose NJ Sports Spine & Wellness for Hammertoe Treatment in Aberdeen, NJ
A hammertoe rarely exists in isolation. It usually shows up alongside a bunion, alongside arch problems, or in the context of a foot whose mechanics have been off for years. Treating the toe without considering everything around it tends to produce short-term relief and long-term frustration.
That's where our integrated approach matters:
A board-certified podiatrist with both conservative and surgical expertise
You won't be funneled toward surgery because that's the only tool available. Our podiatrist treats the full spectrum of hammertoe presentations - from early, flexible deformities to rigid, painful joints - and recommends what's genuinely best for your foot.
A multidisciplinary team under one roof
Hammertoes often connect to broader mechanical issues. Our Aberdeen, NJ office combines podiatry with physical therapy, chiropractic care, sports medicine, and pain management - so you can address the toe and the upstream causes in one place.
Sports medicine experience
Many of our patients are athletes, runners, or active adults who need their feet to perform, not just survive. Our care model is built around getting people back to the activities they love.
Patient education that respects your time
You'll leave your first appointment knowing what you have, what your options are, and what we'd recommend and why. No pressure, no upsell - just the information you need to make a good decision.
Local, accessible care
Our Aberdeen, NJ office is built around making thorough foot care convenient, with appointment availability designed to fit real schedules.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hammertoes
A flexible hammertoe - one that can still be manually moved into a straight position - can often be managed effectively with non-surgical care. Splints, taping, exercises, orthotics, and the right shoes can reduce pain and slow progression. A rigid hammertoe, where the joint has stiffened, cannot be fully straightened without surgical correction. That's why early evaluation matters: the sooner we see the toe, the more likely conservative care will be enough.
All three involve abnormal bending of the smaller toes, but the affected joints differ. A hammertoe bends at the middle joint of the toe. A mallet toe bends at the joint closest to the toenail. A claw toe involves bending at both joints, often combined with an upward bend at the base of the toe. Treatment principles overlap considerably, though the specific surgical approach may vary.
Look for shoes with a wide, deep toe box that doesn't press down on the bent joint. Soft, flexible uppers reduce friction over the corn or callus. A low heel shifts weight away from the forefoot. Stiff-soled shoes can also help by reducing the bending forces on the toes. Many athletic and comfort-focused brands now make styles specifically designed for patients with toe deformities.
Look for a wide, rounded toe box that doesn't squeeze the joint, a low heel (under one inch is ideal), soft and flexible upper material that won't rub the bunion, and good arch support. Many athletic and walking brands now make models specifically designed with bunion-friendly features. During your appointment, our podiatrist can recommend specific styles that suit the shape of your foot.
Recurrence is uncommon when the underlying foot mechanics are addressed alongside the surgical correction. If a hammertoe is corrected but the original drivers - poor footwear, untreated bunions, abnormal pronation - aren't addressed, the deformity can return over time. A comprehensive treatment plan that combines surgery with mechanical correction and supportive care offers the best long-term results.
Take the Next Step Toward Pain-Free Feet
If you've been managing around a bent toe - adjusting your shoes, dodging the corn, hoping it doesn't get worse - there's a better path forward. Our podiatry team in Aberdeen, NJ can examine your foot, identify exactly what's happening, and build a plan that fits your life.
Schedule a consultation today. Call (908) 866-7246 or request an appointment online - we offer same-day availability for many appointments.
Latest News in Aberdeen, NJ
Sayreville Bass Pro Shop May Open In Early October: Report
Carly Baldwinhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/matawan-aberdeen/sayreville-bass-pro-shop-could-open-october-report
It's looking more and more like October, according to news site the Sayreville Insider. Other websites report a late September or early October opening."You're gonna blink and the store's gonna be open," the store's general manager told News 12 in this sneak peek video tour of the store this summer while it's still under construction.Sayreville Insider attended the August meeting of the Sayreville Economic & Redevelopment Agency (SERA), and at that meeting, a SERA engineer reported that the store is working...
It's looking more and more like October, according to news site the Sayreville Insider. Other websites report a late September or early October opening.
"You're gonna blink and the store's gonna be open," the store's general manager told News 12 in this sneak peek video tour of the store this summer while it's still under construction.
Sayreville Insider attended the August meeting of the Sayreville Economic & Redevelopment Agency (SERA), and at that meeting, a SERA engineer reported that the store is working towards an October opening.
A spokeswoman for Bass Pro Shop would not confirm the October opening date, only saying they are anticipating to open sometime this fall.
Find out what's happening in Matawan-Aberdeenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The store will be located at Riverton, the 400-acre town home community planned to be built at the mouth of Raritan Bay. In addition to condos, Riverton will have a boat marina, walking trails along the Raritan River and an outdoor plaza. A QuickChek and Starbucks plan to open at Riverton. Sayreville town hall will relocate there, too.
The Bass Pro Shop is the first part of Riverton that will open and it will be an anchor of the development.
The 200,000-square-foot Sayreville store will be the largest single-level Bass Pro Shop in the country. The only other Bass Pro Shop in New Jersey is in Atlantic City.
The store will be really neat inside: It will have a 65,000-gallon indoor aquarium and a 12,000-gallon touch pool with sting rays, which children will be able to touch. There will be a hunting section, a firearms section and the store will sell boats. The store will have an archery range.
Bass Pro Shops said they've designed their Sayreville store to welcome kids and will have hands-on learning opportunities for kids and teens.
Riverton will take up 418 acres of what is currently marshland. The developer of Riverton is Cincinnati-based North American Properties, working with PGIM Real Estate, the global investment arm of Prudential bank.
The developer previously said Riverton could not be built without "critical" financing from the state.
That's why it was such big news when, in 2023, the state of New Jersey announced Riverton was approved for tax breaks of up to 50 percent of project's costs, up to $400 million total. It was given the tax breaks under the state's Aspire Program, which is meant to increase affordable housing in New Jersey.
A big chunk (20 percent) of the 1,300 condos planned there will be affordable housing.
Riverton will have:
Behind the Scenes as Misfits Theatre Co. prepares for their Inaugural Book Musical Production: "She Loves Me"
John Posadahttps://www.newjerseystage.com/articles2/2026/05/20/behind-the-scenes-as-misfits-theatre-co-prepares-for-their-inaugural-book-musical-production-she-loves-me/
originally published: 05/20/2026(MATAWAN, NJ) — . is currently rehearsing for their inaugural book musical production, She Loves Me, which will be presented July 10-12, 2026 at Matawan Regional High School. Photographer John Posada was at a rehearsal to take photos.She Loves Me features music by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof) and book by Joe Masteroff (Cabaret), It’s a charming and heartfelt musical comedy set in a 1930s perfume shop in Budapest. The story f...
originally published: 05/20/2026
(MATAWAN, NJ) — . is currently rehearsing for their inaugural book musical production, She Loves Me, which will be presented July 10-12, 2026 at Matawan Regional High School. Photographer John Posada was at a rehearsal to take photos.
She Loves Me features music by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof) and book by Joe Masteroff (Cabaret), It’s a charming and heartfelt musical comedy set in a 1930s perfume shop in Budapest. The story follows two feuding coworkers, Georg and Amalia, who have no idea they are falling in love through anonymous letters.Filled with wit, romance, and unforgettable melodies, this beloved musical reminds audiences that true love might be closer than they think.
It was nominated for five Tony Awards in 1964 and the 1993 Broadway revival won the Olivier Award for Best Musical, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical, and the 1994 Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.
The production is directed by Christopher J. Guell, with musical direction by David F. Shirley, and choreography by Lizbeth Mongone.
Performances take place Friday, July 10 at 8:00pm; Saturday, July 11 at 8:00pm; and Sunday, July 12 at 2:00pm. Tickets are $25 and online. Matawan Regional High School is located at 450 Atlantic Avenue in Aberdeen, New Jersey.
Follow New Jersey Stage on social mediaFacebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky
Dedicated to producing bold, entertaining, and accessible theater for audiences of all ages, the “Misfits” celebrate the unexpected while embracing the beautifully imperfect. The company brings together talented local performers and artists to create memorable live theatrical experiences for the community.
“With a live orchestra, original choreography, and a passionate cast and creative team, She Loves Me marks an exciting new chapter for Misfits Theatre Co.,” said Dr. Angela Ronan. “We are thrilled to present a production that celebrates both artistry and community.”
Here are some more photos from the rehearsal.
Founded in 2022, . is a nonprofit community theater company serving Monmouth County. The organization was established by Dr. Angela Ronan along with fellow Manalapan residents Diane Greaves, Nichole Lorusso, Susan Garland, and Margaret Saulon. Together, they sought to create a welcoming creative outlet for adults ages 18 and over.
“We created Misfits Theatre Co. to be a welcoming home for anyone who loves theater,” said Dr. Angela Ronan. “Our goal has been to foster creativity, collaboration, and connection in a judgment-free environment.”
She Loves Me is licensed by Music Theatre International.
About the author:
John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. Currently, John has spent the last 6 years concentrating on photographing almost 400 theater productions at over 70 different NJ theatres. Click here for John's website.
EVENT PREVIEWS
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- In 2022, as the world was finally coming out of COVID-19, Aaron Lazar was invited to return to the stage to lead the cast of The Bridges of Madison County, playing opposite Kate Baldwin at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal. Just days into rehearsal, Lazar received a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a progressive neurological disease with no known cure. Thus began Lazar's "extraordinary" journey. (HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- What happens when fantasy meets 50-something reality? Find out when Haddonfield Plays & Players presents Marrying George Clooney: Confessions from a Midlife Crisis from September 4-6, 2026. This is a sharp-witted, satirical play written by Amy Ferris and adapted from her best-selling memoir. (MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- SOMA Stage presents the fifth annual Broadway in the Park concert on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026 at the Memorial Park Amphitheater in Maplewood. This year's concert, Broadway in the Park: Let's Rock!, features Broadway's biggest rock and pop hits from the 1950s through today. Showtime is 4:30pm. (NUTLEY, NJ) -- Fifteen years after leaving her family and stagnant marriage, Henrik Ibsen's Nora returns home in Lucas Hnath's A Doll's House Part 2. Nutley Little Theatre presents this sequel to Ibsen's classic play across three weekends from September 11-26, 2026. (OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Center Players of Freehold will present The Realistic Joneses by Will Eno as its first Signature Series production of the 2026-27 season. Directed by Center Players’ Artistic Director Michael Tota, the production will run from October 2-4 at the Herbst Theatre at the Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove, marking the first time Center Players has performed in the venue. (ORADELL, NJ) -- Fresh off being named the #1 Theater Venue in Bergen County by (201) Magazine's Best of Bergen poll, the Bergen County Players (BCP) will open its 2026/27 season with Mel Brooks' The Producers. As one of America's longest-running little theater companies, BCP returns for its 94th season to present this area premiere at the Little Firehouse Theatre from September 19 through October 10, 2026. (MILLVILLE, NJ) -- Following sold out performances and rave reviews across the country, The Golden Girls are back and better than ever with a stage show that's more exciting than a trip to the Rusty Anchor. Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue is returning with a US Fall Tour in 2026 that comes to The Levoy Theatre on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Doors are at 6:00pm, showtime is 7:00pm. (UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG) presents the East Coast premiere of Destroying David at the DMK Theater at Union Arts Center from October 9-18 and at the Sieminski Theater from October 23-25, 2026. Destroying David is a thrilling, witty and heartfelt solo show about the power of art to help us through our darkest hours. The play is written and performed by Emmy Award-nominee Jason Odell Williams. ATG's new Producing Artistic Director Charlotte Cohn will direct.
FEATURED EVENTS
Matawan-Aberdeen School District Survey Open Until Sept. 25
Carly Baldwinhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/matawan-aberdeen/matawan-aberdeen-school-district-survey-open-until-sept-25
It includes discussions about a potential bond referendum next year. That means the school district may borrow money to make improvements.Updated Tue, Aug 18, 2026 at 8:37 pm ETMATAWAN-ABERDEEN, NJ — The Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District is inviting all community members to complete a brief survey to help shape the future of the school district, and inform the district’s long-range planning.This includes discussions about a potential bond referendum next year. That means the school district may borr...
It includes discussions about a potential bond referendum next year. That means the school district may borrow money to make improvements.
Updated Tue, Aug 18, 2026 at 8:37 pm ET
MATAWAN-ABERDEEN, NJ — The Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District is inviting all community members to complete a brief survey to help shape the future of the school district, and inform the district’s long-range planning.
This includes discussions about a potential bond referendum next year. That means the school district may borrow money to make certain capital improvements.
Will property taxes go up to pay for it? Since the school district is at the very early planning stages of this process, it doesn't know yet if there will be a tax increase. The MARSD school district is nearing the end of payments on debt from a previous bond referendum. Timing new borrowing as existing debt declines may help reduce the tax impact of a potential referendum, says the school district.
The survey will remain open until Friday, Sept. 25: English and Spanish.
The survey is part of the district's long-range planning process to evaluate needs and determine whether a bond referendum should be considered to fund future improvements. The district is also working with an architectural firm to conduct a comprehensive assessment of all school facilities and identify current and future project areas.
Find out what's happening in Matawan-Aberdeenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
No final project list, cost estimate, financing plan or referendum question has been determined or approved.
“This community engagement process is about more than facilities,” said Superintendent Dr. Nelyda Perez. “It is an opportunity to identify strategic improvements that can enhance teaching and learning, expand opportunities for students, support student success, strengthen safety and security, and ensure our schools are prepared to meet the evolving needs of students and staff for years to come.”
Throughout this process, the Board of Education and district administration remain committed to fiscal responsibility while maximizing available state aid to offset local costs. If a referendum is pursued, renovation projects may qualify for state funding, which would reduce the local share of construction costs.
The timing of this planning also presents a unique opportunity. The district is nearing the end of payments on debt from a previous bond referendum. Timing new borrowing as existing debt declines may help reduce the tax impact of a potential referendum.
“The Board of Education is committed to being thoughtful stewards of taxpayer dollars, and that starts with listening to our community,” said MARSD school board President Sheetal Werneke. “To determine the most responsible path forward, it's important to evaluate how best to both preserve and enhance our schools, so they remain well-positioned to serve the community for years to come. The survey helps us understand community priorities and where residents believe investments should be made as part of this early planning process.”
After the survey closes, the school board and administration will carefully review all responses. The community will be regularly updated on next steps.
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