Pregnancy brings many changes to the body, and the feet are no exception. As pregnancy progresses, increased body weight and changing hormone levels can place extra stress on the feet and ankles. Many women experience foot pain, swelling, or changes in the shape of their feet during this time. Some also notice that their arches become lower, which can cause the feet to become slightly longer or wider. These changes may affect balance and make standing or walking less comfortable. Because pregnancy-related foot problems can interfere with daily activities, a professional evaluation is important when symptoms become persistent or severe. Early care can help identify the cause of discomfort and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Several factors contribute to foot changes during pregnancy. Hormones that help prepare the body for childbirth can also loosen the ligaments that support the feet, making the joints more flexible. Combined with added pressure from weight gain, these changes may increase the risk of flat feet, heel pain, or discomfort in the arches. Swelling around the feet and ankles is also common and may make shoes feel tighter than usual. A comprehensive podiatry examination allows foot structure, joint function, and walking patterns to be carefully evaluated. Identifying these changes early can help reduce discomfort and support healthy foot function throughout pregnancy.

A podiatrist can evaluate pregnancy-related foot pain and recommend treatment based on each patient's individual needs. Professional care focuses on improving comfort, supporting proper foot mechanics, and addressing conditions that may develop during pregnancy. Treatment plans are designed with both maternal health and mobility in mind, while also monitoring changes as pregnancy progresses. Ongoing podiatry care may also help identify developing foot problems before they become more significant after delivery. If you are experiencing foot pain, swelling, or noticeable changes in your feet during pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Zina Cappiello, DPM from Dr. Zina B. Cappiello DPM, LLC. Our podiatrist will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

As people grow older, natural changes in the feet can affect comfort, balance, and mobility. The skin often becomes thinner and drier, while the protective padding on the soles gradually decreases. Joints may become stiffer, and the feet can change shape. These age-related changes may increase the risk of foot pain, calluses, and nail problems. Some older adults also experience reduced circulation or decreased feeling in their feet, making it harder to notice developing concerns. Because healthy feet play an important role in staying active and independent, regular foot evaluations are essential. Identifying problems early can help prevent discomfort from interfering with daily activities and improve overall quality of life.

Several common foot conditions become more frequent with age, including bunions, hammertoes, and arthritis. Thickened toenails and changes in walking patterns may also develop as the feet continue to change. Persistent foot pain can make standing and walking more difficult, which may reduce physical activity and increase the risk of falls. A comprehensive podiatry examination allows the feet to be carefully evaluated for changes in structure, movement, and skin health. A podiatrist can also identify early signs of conditions that may affect foot function before they become more serious. Prompt diagnosis is important because many age-related foot problems become harder to manage if they continue to progress.

A podiatrist specializes in caring for aging feet and developing treatment plans based on each patient's needs. Professional care focuses on improving comfort, maintaining mobility, and helping patients remain active as they grow older. Ongoing podiatry visits also provide an opportunity to monitor changes in foot health and address new concerns before they lead to complications. Early treatment may reduce pain and support better balance and walking ability. If you are experiencing foot pain, changes in your feet, or difficulty walking as you age, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, where the toe  joint meets the foot. This area is known as the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and it plays a key role in weight bearing and movement. A bunion develops when the big toe shifts out of alignment and leans toward the second toe. This misalignment causes the joint to protrude outward, creating a noticeable bump. Over time, the condition can worsen and affect how the foot functions during walking and standing.

Symptoms of bunions often include swelling, redness, and tenderness surrounding the affected joint. Individuals may experience pain that increases with activity, or when wearing tight shoes. The skin over the bunion may become irritated or thickened due to friction. As the deformity progresses, the big toe may overlap or crowd the neighboring toes. Reduced flexibility and stiffness in the joint can also make movement uncomfortable and limit daily activities.

Bunions form due to a combination of structural and environmental factors. Abnormal foot mechanics, such as flat feet or joint instability, can place uneven pressure on the big toe joint. This pressure leads to gradual misalignment. Wearing narrow or ill-fitting shoes can increase stress on the joint and accelerate the development of a bunion. Repetitive stress from walking or standing may also contribute to the progression of the condition.

Risk factors for bunions include genetics, since foot structure can be inherited, as well as age and gender, with women being more commonly affected. Occupations or activities that involve prolonged standing can increase pressure on the feet. Early management can help reduce discomfort and slow progression. Wearing supportive footwear and proper foot care are important steps in maintaining foot health. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, 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.

Cracked heels develop when the skin around the heel becomes dry, thick, and less flexible. Some cracks remain shallow, while others become deeper and make daily activities uncomfortable.  As pressure is placed on the heel during standing and walking, the skin may split, creating painful cracks known as fissures. Common symptoms of cracked heels include dry skin, rough patches, and heel pain. In more severe cases, the cracks may bleed or become irritated. People who spend long periods standing or have certain medical conditions may have a greater risk of developing cracked heels. Because untreated cracks can worsen, a professional evaluation is important to determine the severity of the condition and recommend appropriate treatment.

Cracked heels can affect more than comfort. Deep fissures may make walking painful and increase the risk of infection if the skin barrier is damaged. Ongoing heel pain may also change the way a person walks, placing extra stress on the ankles, knees, and hips. This altered movement can contribute to discomfort in other parts of the lower body. A thorough podiatry evaluation helps identify the underlying cause of cracked heels and determine whether additional foot conditions are contributing to the problem. Early diagnosis supports more effective treatment and helps prevent complications.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating cracked heels while addressing the factors that contribute to the condition. Professional treatment focuses on reducing discomfort, improving skin health, and restoring normal foot function. A podiatrist also evaluates foot structure and walking mechanics to identify issues that may place excessive pressure on the heels. Early podiatry care can help prevent deeper cracks and reduce the risk of long-term complications. If cracked heels are causing pain or making it difficult to walk comfortably, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.