Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse or fail to develop properly, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This condition can lead to biomechanical imbalances that affect how weight is distributed across the feet. Flat feet are often associated with poor posture, reduced stability, and discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, or lower back. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the condition and determine how it influences your gait and alignment. Treatment options may include custom orthotics, supportive footwear, and exercises to strengthen the foot muscles. If you have flat feet and experience pain or balance issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment solutions.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Zina Cappiello, DPM from Dr. Zina B. Cappiello DPM, LLC. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. A podiatrist can relieve pain, treat infection, and provide guidance to prevent recurrence through proper nail trimming and footwear advice. When conservative treatments such as soaking or trimming are not effective, a minor surgical procedure may be performed to remove part or all of the affected nail. This ingrown toenail surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, and recovery typically takes one to two weeks, depending on the extent of the nail removal and aftercare. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss whether surgery is a right treatment option for you. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Zina Cappiello, DPM of Dr. Zina B. Cappiello DPM, LLC. Our podiatrist will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

The medical procedure that is referred to as shockwave therapy may be beneficial in reducing the pain that is associated with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and discomfort from an Achilles tendon injury. It is applied through the surface of the skin, and is known to accelerate the healing process as blood vessels are repaired. The benefits of this type of treatment can include a speedy recovery, no anesthesia, and that the procedure is simple to apply. If you suffer from chronic foot pain, and would like additional information about shockwave therapy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine if this is the correct treatment for you.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with 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.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

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.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, often causing pain and swelling due to joint misalignment. Common causes include genetics, improper footwear, and structural foot issues. The most frequent type is hallux valgus, where the big toe angles toward the second toe. A tailor’s bunion affects the outer side of the foot near the little toe, while adolescent bunions develop in teenagers due to inherited foot structure. Diagnosis involves a physical exam and imaging to assess bone alignment. A podiatrist can provide relief through custom orthotics, footwear advice, or surgical correction. If you notice signs of a bunion developing, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Zina Cappiello, DPM of 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 Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.