Items filtered by date: February 2025

Fall prevention is essential for seniors, as falling can lead to serious injuries that impact their health and independence. Regular fitness activities that improve balance, strength, and flexibility can help seniors maintain stability and reduce the risk of falls. An eye exam is essential to ensure that vision problems, which can contribute to falls, are addressed. Seniors should also remove floor clutter and ensure their living space is free from obstacles like rugs or furniture that could cause tripping. Wearing supportive footwear, such as Velcro sneakers, provides better grip and stability compared to loose or high-heeled shoes. These simple yet effective steps can significantly lower the risk of falls, promote safety, and enhance the overall quality of life for seniors. If you are elderly or are caring for a senior citizen, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist as part of a healthcare team who can effectively monitor foot health.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Zina Cappiello, DPM from Dr. Zina B. Cappiello DPM, LLC. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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 are not all the same. Some are flexible, while others are rigid. Understanding the difference is key to managing symptoms and preventing discomfort. Flexible flat feet appear when standing but form an arch when the foot is lifted or when standing on tiptoes. This type is often painless but can cause fatigue, aching arches, or ankle instability over time. Fixed flat feet remain flat regardless of position. The arch does not reappear when standing on tiptoes, signaling a more rigid structural issue. This type is more likely to cause chronic pain, stiffness, and difficulty with movement. The tiptoe test helps differentiate the two types of flat feet. If an arch forms when rising onto the toes, it is flexible. If not, it is likely fixed. If you have flat feet that causes persistent pain or mobility issues, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Zina Cappiello, DPM from Dr. Zina B. Cappiello DPM, LLC. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

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 and ankle needs.

Friction blisters are skin irritations that occur when repetitive rubbing or pressure causes damage to the skin's outer layers. These blisters often form on the feet, especially during physical activities like walking, running, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. Symptoms of friction blisters include redness, swelling, and a small, fluid-filled bubble on the skin. If left untreated, blisters can burst, leading to pain and a risk of infection. If you have a blister, it is important to keep the area clean and dry and avoid popping it to prevent infection. If you have persistent or painful blisters it is suggested that you seek professional care from a podiatrist who can help by assessing the severity of the blister and treat it safely. This foot doctor can advise on proper footwear, padding techniques, and how to prevent future blisters. If blisters become recurrent or infected, a podiatrist can offer more advanced treatments and care. If you are struggling with blisters, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for expert advice and treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

When buying trail running shoes, it is important to focus on several factors to ensure comfort, support, and durability. First, consider the type of terrain you will be running on. For rocky trails, look for shoes with a stiffer sole and more aggressive tread patterns that offer better grip and stability. If you will be running on smoother, well-maintained paths, a more flexible shoe may suffice. The fit of the shoe is also important. Make sure there is enough room in the toe box to allow for natural foot movement, and ensure the shoe is snug around the heel to prevent slipping. The level of cushioning is another consideration, as more cushioning is ideal for longer distances, while minimal cushioning may work better for faster, shorter runs. Finally, look for shoes that offer water resistance or drainage to keep your feet dry in wet conditions. If you enjoy running and want more information on choosing the best shoes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist, an expert on everything related to feet and ankles.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Zina Cappiello, DPM from Dr. Zina B. Cappiello DPM, LLC. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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.