Growing Feet and Injuries in Active Kids

Children and teens are active and still growing, which makes their lower extremities more prone to certain injuries. Growth plates, which are areas of developing bone near the ends of long bones, are weaker than surrounding tissue, and can be injured more easily than adult bone. Common problems include heel pain, ankle sprains, and stress injuries from overuse in sports. Rapid growth can also affect coordination and flexibility, increasing the risk of strain. These injuries may cause limping, pain during activity, or discomfort that lingers after rest. Early evaluation is important to prevent long-term issues with development and movement. A podiatrist can assess how a child walks, identify growth-related concerns, and recommend proper treatment to support healing. They can also guide a safe return to activity. If your child has ongoing foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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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Cold Feet and Underlying Health Conditions

Cold feet can be a symptom of several underlying conditions that affect circulation and nerve function. Raynaud's syndrome is a condition where blood vessels narrow excessively in response to cold or stress, reducing blood flow to the feet. Neuropathy involves nerve damage that can alter temperature sensation and cause persistent coldness. Vascular disease reduces circulation due to narrowed or blocked arteries.  Buerger's disease, an inflammatory condition that damages blood vessels, is often linked to tobacco use. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, and poor circulation. A podiatrist can evaluate symptoms, identify underlying causes, and coordinate appropriate care to improve foot health. If your feet are cold for the majority of the time, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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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Common Causes of Foot Pain in Seniors

Foot pain in seniors can arise from several common conditions that affect mobility and comfort. Bunions are bony deformities at the base of the big toe that cause pain and swelling. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, leading to heel pain. Osteoarthritis causes joint stiffness and discomfort due to cartilage wear, while bursitis is inflammation of fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints. Risk factors include aging, improper footwear, and reduced flexibility. Prevention includes loosening tight laces and socks, wearing supportive shoes, staying hydrated, and performing gentle foot stretches. A podiatrist can diagnose foot conditions and provide personalized treatment and support. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

If you need your feet checked, contact Zina Cappiello, DPM of Dr. Zina B. Cappiello DPM, LLC. Our podiatrist will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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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Differences Between Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are areas of thick, hardened skin that form when the feet are exposed to repeated pressure or rubbing. Calluses are usually larger, spread out, and often less painful, while corns are smaller and more focused. A corn has a hard center, or core, that pushes into the deeper layers of skin, and can cause sharp pain when walking or standing. Corns often develop on or between the toes, while calluses are more common on the bottom of the foot where weight is placed. Changes in foot shape, toe problems, and wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes can increase the risk of both conditions. A podiatrist can examine the feet, safely remove the thickened skin using sterile tools, and reduce pressure with custom orthotics or padding to help prevent the problem from returning. If you have painful corns or calluses on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for safe and sterile treatment.

If you have any concerns 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 can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

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

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our 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.

Read more about Understanding Corns and Calluses

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