Items filtered by date: November 2023

A broken ankle can swiftly transform routine movements into moments of intense pain and disruption. This injury typically occurs when the ankle joint endures excessive force, often from a sudden twist, fall, or impact. The causes are diverse, ranging from sports related injuries to accidental slips or missteps. The severity of a broken ankle varies, with fractures manifesting in the bones surrounding the ankle joint. Symptoms, unmistakable in their intensity, include immediate pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. Bruising may also develop, accompanied by a noticeable deformity or misalignment of the ankle. The sharp, shooting pain and the inability to move the ankle freely are indicative signs that warrant prompt medical attention. If you have broken your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly diagnose and treat this type of fracture.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

Hammertoe, or curly toe in children is a deformity where the toe bends downward at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. It is often congenital, meaning children are born with it. Hammertoe may be flexible initially but can become fixed over time. It can occur due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. Wearing tight footwear and genetics can also contribute to the development of hammertoe. While it may not always cause discomfort, it can lead to issues like irritation or difficulty in fitting into shoes. If your child has hammertoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment based on its severity.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Zina Cappiello, DPM from Dr. Zina B. Cappiello DPM, LLC. Our podiatrist will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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.

Poor circulation in the feet refers to a condition where blood flow to the lower extremities is insufficient, resulting in various discomforts and potential health issues. It occurs when blood struggles to move freely through the blood vessels, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients in the feet. Several factors can contribute to poor circulation in the feet. One primary cause is atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up in the arteries, narrowing and hardening them. Diabetes can also lead to circulatory problems, damaging blood vessels and nerves in the feet. Blood clot formation, often in deep veins, which is known as deep vein thrombosis, also can obstruct circulation. Smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity are additional risk factors. Symptoms of poor circulation in the feet can range from tingling, numbness, and coldness to more severe complications such as ulcers and non-healing wounds. Early detection and proactive measures to improve circulation and maintain foot health can help. If you have symptoms of poor foot circulation, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment options.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Zina Cappiello, DPM of Dr. Zina B. Cappiello DPM, LLC. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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 and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails, a painful and often persistent issue, can make every step a source of discomfort. To tackle this problem effectively, it is vital to explore the factors that contribute to its development. One primary cause is improper toenail cutting. Trimming nails too short or rounding them at the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the surrounding skin. Wearing ill-fitting footwear, particularly shoes that squeeze the toes, exerts pressure on the toenails and can lead to ingrowth. Trauma to the toe, whether from an injury or repeated stubbing, may also play a role in the onset of ingrown toenails. Furthermore, genetic predisposition can make some individuals more susceptible to this condition. Additionally, having poor foot hygiene can contribute to the problem, as infections and inflammation can cause the skin to swell and trap the nail. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide effective treatment options, which may include minor surgery for partial removal of the nail.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.