Heel pain can interfere with daily activity and mobility. In many cases, heel pain develops from overuse, repetitive stress, or wearing footwear that lacks adequate support. Running on hard surfaces, sudden increases in activity, or tightness in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can also contribute to this type of pain. Injuries, such as a heel bone fracture from a fall or hard landing, may also be factors. Conditions including plantar fasciitis, bursitis, Achilles tendon inflammation, or the growth of bone spurs can further lead to tenderness, stiffness, and swelling at the heel. Pain may be felt under the heel, at the back of the heel, or along the Achilles tendon, depending on the underlying cause. A podiatrist can provide a full evaluation, offer proper treatment, and determine whether imaging or surgery may be needed. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. It often develops from repetitive stress, overuse, flat feet, high arches, or wearing shoes that lack adequate support. Risk factors include obesity, prolonged standing, excessive running, and tight calf muscles. Symptoms typically involve sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning, swelling, and stiffness. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot mechanics, prescribing custom orthotics, and suggesting stretching exercises and supportive footwear. Providing targeted treatments to reduce inflammation and pain are other factors. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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 Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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 ankle fracture can leave lasting effects on the way a person walks, even after the bone has healed. Limited joint movement, lingering stiffness, and changes in muscle strength may cause the body to adapt in ways that alter natural stride patterns. Some individuals shorten their steps, place less weight on the injured side, or roll the foot differently to avoid discomfort. These adjustments can strain other joints, such as the knees, hips, and lower back, over time. Restoring a balanced gait often involves targeted exercises to improve flexibility, rebuild strength, and retrain walking mechanics. Wearing supportive footwear or orthotics may also help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot. Addressing gait changes early can prevent secondary problems and improve long-term mobility. If walking feels awkward or uncomfortable after an ankle fracture, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and guidance.

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.

Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that combines agility and quick movements, which can lead to foot and ankle injuries. Common pickleball injuries include sprained ankles, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and stress fractures. These often occur due to sudden direction changes, wearing improper footwear, or playing on hard surfaces. Preventing injury involves stretching before play, wearing supportive shoes, and allowing adequate rest. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend proper footwear, treat injuries, and guide recovery. If you experience persistent foot or ankle pain after playing pickleball, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention strategies.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.