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.
Plantar warts often start as small, unnoticed growths on the bottom of the foot, but pressure from walking can push them inward and make them increasingly painful. These growths come from a common virus that enters through tiny breaks in the skin, leading to areas that may feel firm, tender, or appear to have dark pinpoint dots. Some form individually, while others spread into clusters that create more discomfort with every step. Trying to treat a plantar wart at home can cause irritation if the wart is deeper than expected. When pain increases, the spot grows, or multiple warts begin to form, it becomes important to get a professional opinion. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, offer safe treatment options, and help prevent recurrence. If you have a persistent or painful spot on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper care.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Zina Cappiello, DPM from Dr. Zina B. Cappiello DPM, LLC. Our podiatrist will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
Hard or thick callused spots
Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
Freezing
Electric tool removal
Laser Treatment
Topical Creams (prescription only)
Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
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.
Tarsal coalition occurs when two or more bones in a child’s foot grow together, which limits normal motion. This can cause stiffness, pain along the side or back of the foot, frequent ankle sprains, flat arches, and cramps or muscle spasms after activity. Although it is often congenital, many children begin to feel symptoms of tarsal coalition around ages eight to 15, when their bones harden and the fused area becomes less flexible. Some children may limp or have trouble walking on uneven ground because the affected foot does not move properly. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and can involve supportive inserts, casting to rest the foot, or surgery to separate the bones and restore movement. If your child has symptoms of tarsal coalition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.
Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.
What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?
A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.
What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?
Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:
Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.
Treatment and Prevention
While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.
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.
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 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.