About
Dr. Campitelli is a podiatrist in Akron, OH specializing in foot and ankle surgery with an interest and enthusiasm for running as well as helping runners with injuries. For the past several years he has been treating running injuries in patients by fixing their form and transitioning them to minimalist shoes.
This blog is intended to provide the most up to date and comprehensive information on running and training for endurance events.
Have a question about a running injury or training program and live to far away to see Dr. Nick? You can reach him via email at:
feet@me.com
Speaking Engagements
Dr. Campitelli lectures nationally on running injuries, shoes, running firm, and training regimens. For more information or to discuss scheduling a lecture, direct all inquires to:
feet@me.com
Visit Dr. Campitelli’s Office Website at www.drnickcampi.com
Dr. Nick's Running Blog 
Hi Dr Nick…….this is an awesome read,thank you. I have had PF for about 8 months now but not just from running. i am a fitness leader and zumba instructor and a part time runner. I have been teaching 6 x 1 hour classes per week for over two years now and 8 months ago I started wearing zumba brand shoes which have minimal arch support which I thought was the cause but after reading your blog am not so sure now. I went back to a ‘normal’ asics running shoe for all classes and am seeing a physio who is working on releasing my hip, glute and calf with dry needling. I wear my runners all the time thinking that by going barefoot I will damage it more!! Can you please give me some advise on whether I need a minimalist shoe taking into consideration that my feet move in all directions not just in a forward running stride and should I be barefoot or in minimal shoes more often? Thanks for your help. Viv
Viv,
Tough to answer. My advice would be to gradually adapt to being barefoot at home – 30 minutes a day and increasing gradually weekly. Do the same for minimalist shoes. Wear one hour a day and increase weekly by an hour. Wear the other shoes your used to rest of day. Give it 6-8 weeks and you should see a difference. Keep us posted here!
I recently taped myself running on a treadmill. I noticed that my left foot is turned out about 10 to 15 degrees on landing. I land with a mid foot strike. When I looked at the video one frame at a time, I noticed the foot does the turning out as soon as it starts moving forward after reaching its highest point in the backswing. My left foot almost hits the right calf as it comes forward. The right foot moves and lands fine. Any ideas on what is causing this? I love your book and the website.
Hi Dr. Nick! It’s Wendy from http://thescarredrunner.com. I have a question for you. I have what I believe to be a hammer toe (the 4th toe on both feet). It is genetic as my dad and some of his siblings have it. The problem is that the one on my right foot is bent in and down so that the top right corner of my toe virtually hits the ground with each stride. This is causing my nail to turn black and blue and generally is uncomfortable. Should I consider surgery or is there another way to remedy the situation? Thanks!
Wendy,
Thanks for reaching out!
It sounds like a congenital curled fourth toe. You Temporarily reduce it by using a buttressed pad. My advice would be to fix it surgically though a simple procedure that releases the flexor tendon to this toe. A small incision is made on the plantar aspect of the toe, the tendon is released, and a single stitch is placed into the toe. It is then splinted for five days at which time the stitch is removed and a band aid is used. These are done in the office. Here’s an example of a before and after photos on my website. It’s approximately the ninth photo down.
http://www.drnickcampi.com/Akron_Podiatrist/Akron_Podiatrist_Before_and_After_Photos.html
Good luck!
Thank you for your reply! I had no idea that this was a real syndrome. I will seek out a podiatrist in my area to see if I can have this fixed, as you suggest. Many thanks!