What a Podiatrist Does and Why Their Care Matters

A podiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in the health of the feet and ankles. This expertise allows them to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions such as heel pain, diabetic foot concerns, tendon injuries, and structural problems that affect balance and movement. Podiatrists play an important role in early identification of foot and ankle problems, which can prevent minor issues from becoming more serious. They provide guidance on proper footwear, offer treatment plans tailored to individual needs, and support overall mobility and comfort. If you have foot or ankle discomfort or want to protect your long-term foot health, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Zina Cappiello, DPM from Dr. Zina B. Cappiello DPM, LLC. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Clifton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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The Importance of Taking Care of Your Feet

The feet are essential, yet often overlooked parts, of the body. With 26 bones, 33 joints, and a network of nerves and blood vessels, the feet provide the stability and balance necessary for every step you take. When issues arise, whether it is discomfort or more serious conditions, the pain can be intense and disrupt daily life. This is particularly true for those with diabetes, as foot complications can quickly escalate into severe problems. Ignoring foot health can lead to chronic pain, mobility problems, and even severe conditions like infections or deformities. Wearing shoes that fit properly and taking time for foot care are key to preventing these issues. A podiatrist can help diagnose foot problems early and offer solutions, from custom orthotics to treatment for existing conditions. They can guide you in maintaining healthy feet and prevent further complications. If you are dealing with foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Zina Cappiello, DPM from Dr. Zina B. Cappiello DPM, LLC. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Clifton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Causes of Foot Corns

A foot corn is a thickened area of skin that forms in response to pressure or friction, usually on the toes or sides of the feet. Corns often develop from mechanical stress caused by ill-fitting shoes that rub against the skin or from abnormal foot structure that creates uneven pressure during walking. Symptoms include a hardened bump, tenderness, and pain while wearing shoes or standing for long periods of time. A podiatrist can identify the underlying cause, safely remove the corn, correct mechanical issues, and recommend proper footwear or custom inserts to prevent it from returning. Corns can be painful. If you have developed a painful corn, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention tips.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Zina Cappiello, DPM of Dr. Zina B. Cappiello DPM, LLC. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Clifton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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What Is Cuboid Syndrome?

Cuboid syndrome is a condition in which the cuboid bone on the outer side of the foot becomes partially displaced, leading to pain and difficulty with movement. Symptoms may include sharp lateral foot pain, swelling, tenderness, and a feeling of instability during walking. Causes can involve overuse, ankle sprains, or repetitive strain. Additionally, risk factors include high impact activities, wearing improper footwear, and flat feet. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a detailed examination, perform specific manipulations to realign the cuboid bone, and recommend supportive treatments that restore comfort and function. If you have persistent outer foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Zina Cappiello, DPM from Dr. Zina B. Cappiello DPM, LLC. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Clifton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Reduce Foot Pain With Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy treatments are administered outside the body and are non-invasive. A handheld transducer placed on the skin passes high-energy sound waves down into the injured tissue to increase blood flow. This activates the body’s natural healing process and reduces pain and inflammation. Shockwave therapy has provided fast results in treating heel pain, tendonitis, bursitis, and more with no needles or steroids.

Contact our office to learn more!

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Advanced Podiatric Procedures & Services in the Passaic County, NJ: Clifton (Paterson, Passaic, Wayne, Hawthorne, Little Falls, Totowa) and Essex County, NJ: Newark, East Orange, Bloomfield, West Orange, Belleville, Nutley areas