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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 Manalapan Township, 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.

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:
The toe is bent but can still be manually straightened. Treatment focuses on preserving flexibility, controlling pain, and slowing progression.
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.

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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
for flexible hammertoes that don't respond to conservative care. The procedure rebalances the tendons that are pulling the toe into the bent position.
for rigid hammertoes. A small portion of the stiffened joint is removed to allow the toe to straighten.
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.

Modern minimally invasive techniques have changed what hammertoe surgery looks like and feels like:
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.
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:

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.

Hammertoes often connect to broader mechanical issues. Our Manalapan Township, 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.

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.

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.

Our Manalapan Township, NJ office is built around making thorough foot care convenient, with appointment availability designed to fit real schedules.
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.
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 Manalapan Township, 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.
MANALAPAN, NJ — Dozens of homes and businesses are without power on Monday as a blizzard continues to make its way throughout New Jersey.In Manalapan, 11 inches of snow have fallen as of 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service, with more on the way as snow continues to fall on Monday.According to the weather service, snowfall is expected to continue well into Monday afternoon, with a blizzard warning in effect until 6 p.m.A travel ban also remains in place until noon, Governor Mikie Sherrill...
MANALAPAN, NJ — Dozens of homes and businesses are without power on Monday as a blizzard continues to make its way throughout New Jersey.
In Manalapan, 11 inches of snow have fallen as of 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service, with more on the way as snow continues to fall on Monday.
According to the weather service, snowfall is expected to continue well into Monday afternoon, with a blizzard warning in effect until 6 p.m.
A travel ban also remains in place until noon, Governor Mikie Sherrill announced, with NJ Transit buses and trains suspended as well. Schools across the state were also closed on Monday, alongside municipal offices.
In Manalapan, 168 homes are without power as of Monday morning, according to JCP&L. Currently, there is no estimated time of restoration listed.
Due to the storm, garbage and bulk collection for Monday has been rescheduled to Thursday in Manalapan, according to a post from the township.
Town Hall, the Senior Center, the Recreation Center and the Recycling Center are closed, with Municipal Court scheduled for Monday also cancelled and set to be rescheduled.
All vehicles should be removed from the roads so Public Works can safely clear the streets, township officials said.
For those who don’t have space in their driveways to accommodate their vehicles, the Englishtown Auction has offered to allow cars to park in their lot until the snow has stopped.
If residents use this option, they must move their vehicle within 24 hours of the end of the storm to allow for their lots to be cleared and plowed, officials said.
Any vehicles found left in the roadway during the snow removal process will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. If you see cars parked on your street during the storm, you can call 732-446-4300 so it can be addressed.
“Emergency Operations have begun as our personnel manage the snow and blizzard conditions in Manalapan Township,” township officials said Sunday evening. “Please stay off the roads and allow township emergency employees to safely clear the roads and respond to any emergencies. This will be a long-duration, large accumulating, dangerous storm.”
To report a power outage, you can:
“Our teams are working around the clock to clear the roads, get us back up and running, and ensure the safety of New Jerseyans,” Governor Miki Sherrill said in an online post. “Please stay in and stay safe.”
As of Monday morning, snowfall totals in Monmouth County include:
Want to share your blizzard photos with Patch? Find out how to share them here.
Patch Blizzard Coverage
Celebrating more than 40 years in business, Peking Pavilion still stands as a New Jersey institution for upscale Chinese dining.Originally opened in 1975 in Richmond, Virginia before relocating to Manalapan in 1983, owners Mike and Corinna Kuo passed “The Pavilion” on to their nephew, Dufan Li in 2020. While management may have changed, Mike and Corinna still maintain a regular presence at the restaurant, along with manager Steven Peng, who has been there since the beginning, reminding guests that the legacy they built is ...
Celebrating more than 40 years in business, Peking Pavilion still stands as a New Jersey institution for upscale Chinese dining.
Originally opened in 1975 in Richmond, Virginia before relocating to Manalapan in 1983, owners Mike and Corinna Kuo passed “The Pavilion” on to their nephew, Dufan Li in 2020. While management may have changed, Mike and Corinna still maintain a regular presence at the restaurant, along with manager Steven Peng, who has been there since the beginning, reminding guests that the legacy they built is still very much alive.
“This restaurant feels like home,” hostess Mindy Kramer said. “Corinna carried me around this restaurant when I was a baby. When I was going through a divorce, I needed a shoulder, and she suggested I come here a few days a week to take my mind off of things. I worked a few shifts and never looked back. This restaurant has become my second home. When you come here, you really are family.”
I visited during lunch on President’s Day, and the place was bumping. Nearly every table was occupied across the two dining rooms, the bar crowd spilling into one of them.
“The bar here is a huge draw, Kramer said. “You’ll see the same faces three to four times per week. They come for our bartenders, Jason and Jackson. They make some of the best mai tais and lychee martinis around.”
Aptly timed with the Lunar New Year, a visit to this Monmouth County staple was in order.
The best thing we ate was one of the first dishes to hit the table. Five, plump pork soup dumplings ($15) nested within a steamer basket were purses of juicy, meaty perfection. There is an art to eating soup dumplings to avoid the mistake of a mouthful of boiling hot broth. These were the perfect temperature — and with the accompanying dumpling sauce, succulent and satisfying.
The second-best dish was the Peking duck ($56), a dramatic presentation of a whole slow roasted, Long Island duck, quartered and sliced, and served with oversized crepes, scallions, cucumber and homemade plum sauce. The meat was moist and skin crispy, but the highlight was the sauce. Without it, the dish would have lacked seasoning and overall flavor. With it, every bite sang harmoniously. I would have appreciated more of the accoutrement but all in all, it was a very solid version of the dish.
We ended the meal with the only non-American dessert offered, a set of three mochi ($11). We chose green tea and mango, both of which did their job for a sweet, chewy and creamy bite to end the meal.
I was told by many that I had to order the filet mignon egg roll ($7), so the expectation going in was lofty. While I appreciated the creative, elevated spin on a Chinese-American staple, this one fell short. The egg roll itself sat in a pool of grease, and I found myself searching for the beefy flavor that was diluted by the overwhelming amount of shredded cabbage filling. Even with the duck sauce and spicy mustard that accompanied it, the egg roll paled in comparison to some of the more traditional ones I’ve had — even just from no-frills takeout spots.
As a long-time P.F. Chang’s lettuce wrap enthusiast, I had high hopes for the Chicken Soong in lettuce wraps ($18). Pre-portioned into four cups of crisp iceberg lettuce, the chicken, mushroom and bell pepper mixture had a flavor I couldn’t quite put my finger on. It lacked brightness and salt, which made this dish forgettable and somewhat disappointing.
Another dish I was instructed to order was the Grand Marnier prawns ($33), an impressive tower of jumbo prawns, set atop a bed of sliced oranges. This dish has so much potential, but didn’t meet it. The prawns were probably the largest and highest-quality shrimp I’ve ever had at a Chinese restaurant, and they were battered and fried to crispy perfection. The big issue here was the sauce. Trix cereal-sweet with no obvious Grand Marnier flavor, the balance of flavor here was sadly off. The overall sweetness overpowered the exquisite shrimp and one ended up being more than enough.
We rounded out the meal with one of the least traditional more intriguing entrees, Corrina’s Critically Acclaimed 24 ounce New York strip steak ($60). Aged in-house, this piece of meat was massive. Juicy, tender and cooked to a perfect medium, the steak itself was good and an even better value. When we ordered, the server mentioned a side of fried rice with the steak, but we did not receive one. The stir-fried vegetable and a spring roll were fine, and the dish itself wasn’t a let down, but did not exceed expectations.
Pulling up to Peking Pavilion, one might think they’re arriving at a modern art museum — an industrial cement structure with a dramatic white geometric entry way. The bold, red door and statue give way to a gilded hostess stand and two dining rooms that carry the theme throughout. Sleek architectural lines complimented by traditional Chinese tapestries, dramatic, glass lighting fixtures and original furniture from the ’80s outfit the space. A perimeter of windows let light flood in, making the restaurant feel even more open, bright and inviting. There is an instant lived-in, familiar feeling juxtaposed with Peking Pavilion’s elegance. The bar threw off an unexpected energy, with the Olympics and other sports projecting off the screens while regulars settled into their stools. With the charm and diverse dining options offered, Peking Pavilion is a great option for a family or friends outing, fancy enough for a date, yet familiar enough for a casual bite at the bar.
It’s very obvious why Peking Pavilion has had a stronghold on locals and visitors alike. From management’s friendly welcome to the high quality and diverse dishes offered, there’s something for everyone here. Although there were some misses, Peking Pavilion is worth a visit, especially for the pork soup dumplings and Peking duck.
Peking Pavilion is open for lunch Sunday through Friday and for dinner 7 days a week.

