Conditions We Treat in Clifton, NJ
Hammertoe Treatment in Clifton, NJ
Hammertoe treatment in Clifton, NJ with Dr. Marc Haspel ranges from padding and footwear changes to outpatient surgery. A toe that bends downward at the middle joint can rub against your shoes and become painful.
Thursday & Saturday Hours
Open until 6 pm Thursdays and 9 am–12 pm on alternate Saturdays
Understanding Hammertoes
What Is a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a toe that bends downward at the middle joint, so it looks like a hammer. It most often affects the second, third or fourth toe, and it often develops alongside bunions.
Early on, the toe may still be flexible. Over time, it can become stiff and fixed in the bent position, and corns and calluses may form where the toe rubs against your shoe.
Dr. Marc Haspel, DPM
Board-certified podiatric physician & surgeon
Know the Signs
Hammertoes: Symptoms & Causes
Understanding what you are feeling, and why, is the first step toward the right care.
Common Symptoms
- A toe that bends downward at the middle joint
- Pain or irritation when wearing shoes
- Corns or calluses on top of the toe or the ball of the foot
- Redness or swelling at the joint
- Trouble straightening the toe
Causes & Risk Factors
Common Causes
Hammertoes usually result from a muscle and tendon imbalance in the toe. Foot structure, footwear and other foot problems can all contribute.
Risk Factors
- Family history and inherited foot structure
- Tight or narrow shoes and high heels
- Bunions
- Arthritis
- Trauma to the toe
When Should You See a Doctor?
Make an appointment if a toe is painful, is becoming stiff or makes it hard to find shoes that fit. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
Diagnosis
Dr. Haspel examines the toe and foot, checks whether the toe is still flexible, reviews your footwear and may use imaging to plan treatment.
Treatment Options
Conservative Treatment
Roomier shoes, padding to protect corns and custom orthotics may relieve pressure and pain.
Surgical Treatment
When conservative treatment does not relieve the pain, surgery can straighten the toe. Minor procedures are performed in the office, and complex procedures are performed on an outpatient basis.
Recovery & Prevention
Recovery
Recovery after hammertoe surgery depends on the procedure and varies from patient to patient. Dr. Haspel follows your recovery after surgery.
Prevention Tips
- Wear shoes with a roomy toe box
- Avoid high heels for long periods
- Use padding to protect corns
- Wear custom orthotics if they are prescribed
Next Steps
Schedule your visit
Call (973) 777-4650 or book online. Our Clifton office is open Monday to Friday from 9 am, Thursdays until 6 pm and alternate Saturdays from 9 am to 12 pm.
Related pages
Your Visit
What to Expect
From your first appointment through follow-up care, here is how care for hammertoes usually works at our Clifton, NJ office.
01
Consultation
Dr. Haspel examines your foot, reviews your symptoms and discusses your goals.
02
Treatment
Your plan may start with footwear changes, padding and custom orthotics, or surgery when correction is needed.
03
Recovery & Follow-Up
Follow-up visits monitor your progress and help you return to normal activities.
Related Care
Related Conditions & Services
Hammertoe care may also help with: bunions, corns and calluses and arthritis and joint pain.
Bunions
Padding, footwear changes and custom orthotics, with outpatient bunion surgery when a correction is needed.
Corns & Calluses
Thick, painful skin from pressure and friction, with gentle in-office care and pressure relief.
Arthritis & Joint Pain
Stiff, swollen or aching joints in the feet and ankles, managed with orthotics, bracing and surgery when needed.
Foot & Ankle Surgery
In-office minor procedures and outpatient surgery when conservative treatment has not relieved the problem.
Custom Orthotics, Shoes & Braces
Custom orthotic devices, shoe therapy and braces to correct biomechanical problems and support walking.
Board Certified
Podiatric surgery & podiatric medicine
Your Podiatrist
Why Choose Marc Haspel, DPM for Hammertoes?
Dr. Marc Haspel treats patients for hammertoes at our office in Clifton, NJ.
Dr. Marc Haspel is a board-certified podiatric physician and surgeon with more than 35 years of experience caring for patients throughout Northern New Jersey.
- Board certified in podiatric surgery
- Conservative options first, with surgery when needed
- Care for related bunions, corns and calluses
- Convenient office on Clifton Avenue in Clifton, NJ
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Hammertoes
Answers to common questions about care for hammertoes at our Clifton, NJ office. Have another question? Our staff is happy to help.
What causes hammertoes?
Hammertoes usually result from a muscle and tendon imbalance in the toe. Tight shoes, bunions, arthritis and inherited foot structure can all play a part.
Will a hammertoe straighten on its own?
No. Roomier shoes, padding and orthotics can ease the pain, but they do not straighten a toe that has become stiff. Surgery is the only way to correct the deformity.
Why does a corn form on my hammertoe?
The bent joint rubs against the top of your shoe. Over time, the skin thickens to protect itself and forms a corn.
Is hammertoe surgery done in the hospital?
Minor procedures are done in our office. Complex procedures are done on an outpatient basis, so you go home the same day.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Medicare. Coverage varies by plan, so please call our office with questions about your benefits, referrals or pre-certification.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call (973) 777-4650, use our online appointment request form or book with Dr. Haspel on Zocdoc. We’re open until 6 pm on Thursdays and from 9 am to 12 pm on alternate Saturdays.
More Ways We Can Help
Other Services at Our Clifton Office
Many foot and ankle problems overlap. These services are often part of the same care plan.
In-office minor procedures and outpatient surgery when conservative treatment has not relieved the problem.
Custom orthotic devices, shoe therapy and braces to correct biomechanical problems and support walking.
Padding, footwear changes and custom orthotics, with outpatient bunion surgery when a correction is needed.
Book Your Visit
Ready to Get Help With Hammertoes?
Schedule a visit with Dr. Haspel at our Clifton, NJ office. Call (973) 777-4650 or book online.
- 1100 Clifton Avenue, Suite C, Clifton, NJ 07013
- Mon–Fri from 9 am · Thu until 6 pm · Alt. Sat 9 am–12 pm
