Peripheral neuropathy develops when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged. These nerves carry messages about feeling and movement. Symptoms in the feet include numbness, tingling, or burning pain. Some patients notice sharp pain, muscle weakness, or sensitivity to touch. Balance can also suffer because the feet provide less reliable information about the ground. Symptoms can remain steady or come and go. Diabetes is a leading cause because high blood sugar can damage nerves in the lower limbs and feet. Other causes include physical injury, infection, or heavy alcohol use.

Loss of feeling in the feet can create serious risks. A patient might not notice a cut, blister, or pressure point because they do not feel the pain. Without prompt care, a small wound can develop into an ulcer or infection. Severe infections can damage tissue and raise the risk of limb loss. Weakness and poor balance can also make falls more likely. People with diabetes or known nerve damage can benefit from regular foot examinations. A podiatrist can check sensation, circulation, and muscle strength. The examination also includes a search for skin damage and changes in foot shape.

Podiatric treatment focuses on protecting the feet and addressing problems early. A podiatrist can trim thick nails safely, treat calluses, and care for wounds. These services matter when reduced feeling makes an injury more likely to be ignored. Custom orthotics can redistribute pressure and improve stability when weakness changes how weight is carried. A podiatrist can also recommend properly fitted shoes with enough room for the toes. Follow-up visits allow the doctor to monitor sensation, examine the skin, and respond to new concerns. Early diagnosis can limit further nerve damage, protect daily mobility, and preserve independence. If you have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then 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.

Inferior calcaneal bursitis is inflammation of a small fluid-filled sac beneath the heel bone. This bursa helps reduce friction during walking. When irritated, heel pain can develop beneath the heel. Symptoms may include tenderness, aching, or discomfort when standing. Pain may become worse after activity or pressure. Some people describe the area as bruised or sensitive. Understanding the cause of heel pain is important because several foot conditions can create similar symptoms.

Several factors can increase the risk of inferior calcaneal bursitis. Repetitive walking, running, or jumping can stress the heel. Wearing unsupportive footwear may increase pressure in this area. Certain foot mechanics can create uneven weight distribution, and excess body weight can increase heel stress. A sudden increase in activity may trigger irritation. Direct impact and prolonged standing may contribute to inflammation. Identifying these factors helps a podiatrist create appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis begins with questions about when pain started and what activities make it worse. A podiatrist examines the heel for tenderness, swelling, and irritation. Gentle pressure can help identify the painful area. Imaging, such as an X-ray or ultrasound, may be recommended when another condition needs review. Treatment may begin with reducing aggravating activities and choosing supportive footwear. A podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics to improve pressure distribution. Padding, medication, or an injection may also be considered, when appropriate.

Healing depends on addressing the source of irritation. Your podiatrist can monitor symptoms and adjust treatment as your heel improves. Persistent heel pain should not be ignored, especially when it affects walking. An accurate diagnosis helps separate bursitis from other causes of heel pain. A personalized treatment plan can support safe, comfortable daily movement and reduce irritation again. If you have consistent heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat inferior calcaneal bursitis.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects children and can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced joint movement. When inflammation involves the feet and ankles, children may experience swollen and tender joints, difficulty walking, and reduced participation in play or sports. Foot and ankle disability can develop when inflammation affects joint function and changes normal movement. Risk factors may include immune system dysfunction, family history of autoimmune disease, and genetic influences. Early evaluation can protect mobility and quality of life.

A podiatrist starts by examining the child’s feet, ankles, footwear, and activity level. The examination may include a gait assessment and review of medical information from the child’s healthcare team. If additional support is needed, custom foot orthotics may be recommended. These devices are designed around the child’s foot structure and symptoms. Orthotics can help stabilize the feet, distribute weight more evenly, and support comfortable movement during activities.

For children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, properly fitted orthotics may reduce mechanical stress around painful areas and improve how forces move through the feet and ankles. Better pressure distribution can make walking more comfortable and may reduce strain associated with swollen and tender lower joints. Orthotics do not treat the underlying inflammation, but they can complement medical care by supporting mobility and function. A podiatrist may also recommend supportive shoes, activity changes, and regular follow-up.

Improving comfort can help children participate more confidently in school, exercise, and other activities. Because children grow quickly, orthotics should be checked regularly for fit and effectiveness. If your child has foot pain from this or any other foot or ankle condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if orthotics can provide the relief that is sought.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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 Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.

Runner's toe develops when a toenail repeatedly strikes the inside of a shoe. The pressure and friction can damage tiny blood vessels beneath the nail, causing blood to collect. The nail can look red, purple, or black. Pain, swelling, and pressure can also develop. The problem usually affects the big toe or second toe because one is often the longest. Long-distance running raises the risk, especially on downhill routes. Shoes that are too short, narrow, or loose can allow repeated contact with the toe. A long toe or changes in foot structure can add to the problem.

The injured nail can loosen, separate from the skin beneath it, or eventually fall off. A new toenail generally grows, but this process can take several months. Repeated injuries can cause the nail to become thick or misshapen. A dark toenail does not always indicate runner's toe. Fungal infections and other health concerns can cause similar changes. A podiatrist can examine the nail and determine why it has changed color. The evaluation includes questions about running habits, shoe fit, and recent injuries. The podiatrist can also check for infection or damage to the tissue that produces the nail. Severe pain or a dark mark that does not move as the nail grows deserves prompt attention.

Treatment depends on the injury and the amount of pressure beneath the nail. A podiatrist can safely drain trapped blood to reduce pain. The doctor can trim or remove a damaged nail and protect the sensitive skin below it. The podiatrist can also assess toe length, foot shape, and running motion to identify sources of pressure. Guidance can include choosing properly-fitted running shoes with enough toe room. It can also address lacing methods and suitable socks. These changes can reduce sliding and rubbing inside the shoe. If you have developed runner's toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief, treatment, and prevention tips.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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