Restore health of your feet after long winter in boots.......

Restore health of your feet after long winter in boots

By Jean Guarino in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Out of sight, out of mind! If that’s the way you’ve been treating two of the best friends you’ll ever have over the past few months, it’s time to take steps to repair your relationship.

“In the winter, personal grooming seems to stop at the ankle. Most people really don’t pay much attention to their feet when they’re encased in heavy shoes and boots. It’s only when they slip on a pair of sandals for the first time that they realize what a toll the winter has taken on their feet,” said Dr. Megan Leahy, a podiatrist who practices at the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute in Chicago.

Dry, cracked skin, discolored toenails and pesky corns and calluses are just some of the indignities the feet can suffer from being cooped up for months in heavy shoes and socks.

Leahy suggests pampering your feet by using an over-the-counter exfoliating scrub with a sand base to eliminate dry, flaky winter skin. Follow this with a moisturizer containing urea or lactic acid, two ingredients that hydrate the skin and increase circulation.

“But never moisturize between the toes,” she cautions. “These areas tend to retain the moisture and that can lead to athlete’s foot.”

A pumice stone also is an effective way to remove thickened dead skin build up around the heels, balls and sides of the feet. Never use a razor because it removes too much skin and can easily cause infection.

Leahy does not suggest soaking the feet in warm water with Epsom salt or oils to soften the skin.

“Soaking only dries the skin further and removes natural oils while the warm or hot water acts as an irritant,” she says. An alternative is to shower or soak the feet in water as cool as you can tolerate.

Dr. Allen Shoelson, a podiatrist at the Rush University Medical Center, agrees that these easy-to-follow tips are effective for rejuvenating tired feet for most people.

“But individuals who suffer from diabetes, poor circulation or heart problems should have all their foot problems evaluated by a podiatrist instead of trying to diagnose and treat it themselves,” he says.

He cites the example of warts that often masquerade as a callus. Warts are caused by a virus, which enters the skin through small cuts.

“They may look like a callus with the thickened skin. But if the area is mistakenly pumiced, an ulcerous hole in the skin may develop that will lead to infection. And that could result in amputation for someone with diabetes,” he says.

Finally, once your feet are back in shape, make sure you choose the right sandal that offers the support you need to avoid blisters, tendonitis, bunions, calluses and other foot problems. One of the biggest offenders is that popular summer staple, the ubiquitous flip-flop.

“Just because a flip-flop has a fun look doesn’t mean it’s healthy for your feet. As a general rule, most flip-flops should not be worn throughout the day. Wearing them in moderation is key,” says Dr. Kathleen Stone, president of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Lack of support in a flip-flop can leave the wearer susceptible to sprained ankles and ligament injuries and the limited protection offered to feet can mean a greater chance of cuts, scrapes and stubbed toes.

However, many companies such as FitFlop, Chaco and Orthaheel have designed flip-flops and sandals that have been awarded the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance for demonstrating proper support.

For healthy feet year-round, not just in the summer, follow these 10 tips from the American Podiatric Medical Association:

1. Don’t ignore foot pain. If pain persists, see a podiatric physician.

2. Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and temperature. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on the soles of feet could indicate athlete’s foot. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.

3. Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to dry them completely.

4. Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Be careful not to cut nails in corners or on the sides. It can lead to ingrown toenails.

5. Make sure your shoes fit properly. Purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest. Replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.

6. Select and wear the right shoes for the activity; i.e. running shoes for running.

7. Alternate shoes — don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day.

8. Avoid walking barefooted — your feet will be more prone to injury and infection.

9. Be cautious when using home remedies for foot ailments. Self-treatment often can turn a minor problem into a major one.

10. If you are diabetic, make sure to schedule an appointment with a podiatric physician annually for a checkup.

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you.  Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com  The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has Diagnostic imaging:  Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.

Dr. Anthony Ricciardi at the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has completed training in endoscopic/minimally invasive surgery for chronic heel pain and nerve pain, foot and ankle joint replacement for restoring pain free motion, arthroscopic surgery, bunion surgery, fracture repair, flat foot correction, external fixation for complex deformities and extensive experience in peripheral nerve surgery including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and reconstructive surgery of previously failed foot surgical procedures.  In addition to his surgical training Dr. Ricciardi focuses on sports medicine of the foot and ankle through regenerative techniques using the patient’s own blood/platelets for healing chronic foot and ankle problems (pain) as a result of repetitive sport injuries.  This cutting edge technology enables patients to continue training with little or no down time.  Dr. Ricciardi continues to be active in teaching and training other podiatric surgeons on innovative surgical techniques in foot surgery.  Dr. Ricciardi is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.  Dr. Ricciardi’s vision is to bring each patient the most current state of the Art Technology and personalized treatment options to meet their Foot and Ankle needs (from conservative care to surgical options).  Dr. Ricciardi believes in quality service and puts his patients first!

Keeping new runners injury free

Keeping new runners injury free

Published by: CNN Health

On Monday, almost 27,000 people from near and far are running the 115th annual Boston Marathon. Gaining entry into the prestigious road race means qualifying, based on your completion time of a certified marathon and your age. If you're new to the sport but aspiring to get to marathon level, there are things every new runner needs to keep in mind in order to prevent injury.

Dr. Perry Julien, a sports medicine podiatrist and author of "Sure Footing," says revisiting the basics is important   because  so many people are constantly new to running or to exercise.

"It's very common for new runners to get themselves into trouble," Julien said. "They do too much, too soon. They're wearing the incorrect shoes. They don't allow time to warm up or cool down. They're not stretching."

And more people are in marathon mode these days. The popularity or the 26.2 mile runs around the country continues to grow. According to RunningUSA, a non-profit association, about half a million people finished marathons in the U.S. in 2010. That's up almost 9% from the previous year and approaching twice the number of participants  in 1995. The group says there are several reasons to explain the increase: training programs (both charity and for-profit), an increase in women participating and many people finding them to be fun events for the community.

Julien sees many patients who are new runners who have made mistakes; they may lead to injury. He is constantly giving them the following advice:

-Buy sports-specific shoes. Walkers and runners need a runner shoe. Tennis shoes should be worn by tennis players.
-Replace your shoes on a regular basis. For an average use of three to four times per week, you should replace the shoes every four to six months.
-Go to a specialty running store to be fit properly for your shoes. For example: a foot with a higher arch typically needs more cushioning. A foot with a lower arch typically needs more support.
-Softer surfaces are better, in general. A packed gravel trail is the best; if not available, most roads are made of asphalt. Asphalt is softer than concrete, like sidewalks.
-Treadmill runners may be prone to injury because they are on a fixed path. A runner cannot move left or right; the motion is constantly the same.
-Always increase slowly; if not, overuse injuries can result.
-Realize that some discomfort is normal as you apply new stresses to your body.
-Treat aches and pains with ice. Heat is completely wrong. Ice the sore area for 15 minutes, two or three times per day.
-If the pain does not go away within 48-72 hours, it usually means that you're overdoing it.
-If you suspect an injury, cut back on your amount of activity. If pain is involved, you may have to stop.
-Any pain lasting more than seven days or recurs should be evaluated by a sports medicine physician. For the foot, ankle or leg, see a podiatrist. For the ankle or knee, see an orthopedic surgeon.

"One of the effects of exercising- you're creating micro injury to the tissue, which as it heals, it heals stronger," he said. "But the more you injure it, the less potential it has to heal."

"If you're walking or running on an injury-exercising on an injury, you can make it worse and you can increase the time it takes to actually heal that injury."

The American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine suggests a gradual return to running following an injury if further medical intervention is not needed

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you.  Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com  The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has Diagnostic imaging:  Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.

Dr. Anthony Ricciardi at the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has completed training in endoscopic/minimally invasive surgery for chronic heel pain and nerve pain, foot and ankle joint replacement for restoring pain free motion, arthroscopic surgery, bunion surgery, fracture repair, flat foot correction, external fixation for complex deformities and extensive experience in peripheral nerve surgery including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and reconstructive surgery of previously failed foot surgical procedures.  In addition to his surgical training Dr. Ricciardi focuses on sports medicine of the foot and ankle through regenerative techniques using the patient’s own blood/platelets for healing chronic foot and ankle problems (pain) as a result of repetitive sport injuries.  This cutting edge technology enables patients to continue training with little or no down time.  Dr. Ricciardi continues to be active in teaching and training other podiatric surgeons on innovative surgical techniques in foot surgery.  Dr. Ricciardi is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.  Dr. Ricciardi’s vision is to bring each patient the most current state of the Art Technology and personalized treatment options to meet their Foot and Ankle needs (from conservative care to surgical options).  Dr. Ricciardi believes in quality service and puts his patients first!

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Published by: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS)

What is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes. When it affects the arms, hands, legs and feet it is known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is different from peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation), which affects the blood vessels rather than the nerves.

Three different groups of nerves can be affected by diabetic neuropathy:

·         Sensory nerves, which enable people to feel pain, temperature, and other sensations

·         Motor nerves, which control the muscles and give them their strength and tone

·         Autonomic nerves, which allow the body to perform certain involuntary functions, such as sweating.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy doesn’t emerge overnight. Instead, it usually develops slowly and worsens over time. Some patients have this condition long before they are diagnosed with diabetes. Having diabetes for several years may increase the likelihood of having diabetic neuropathy.

The loss of sensation and other problems associated with nerve damage make a patient prone to developing skin ulcers (open sores) that can become infected and may not heal. This serious complication of diabetes can lead to loss of a foot, a leg, or even a life.

CausesThe nerve damage that characterizes diabetic peripheral neuropathy is more common in patients with poorly managed diabetes. However, even diabetic patients who have excellent blood sugar (glucose) control can develop diabetic neuropathy. There are several theories as to why this occurs, including the possibilities that high blood glucose or constricted blood vessels produce damage to the nerves.

As diabetic peripheral neuropathy progresses, various nerves are affected. These damaged nerves can cause problems that encourage development of ulcers.

 For example:

Motor Neuropathy (Deformity) + Ill-fitting shoes + Sensory Neuropathy (numbness) = Ulcers (sores)

·         Deformities (such as bunions or hammertoes) resulting from motor neuropathy may cause shoes to rub against toes, creating a sore. The numbness caused by sensory neuropathy can make the patient unaware that this is happening.

·         Because of numbness, a patient may not realize that he or she has stepped on a small object and cut the skin.

·         Cracked skin caused by autonomic neuropathy, combined with sensory neuropathy’s numbness and problems associated with motor neuropathy can lead to developing a sore.

SymptomsDepending on the type(s) of nerves involved, one or more symptoms may be present in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

For sensory neuropathy:

·         Numbness or tingling in the feet

·         Pain or discomfort in the feet or legs, including prickly, sharp pain or burning feet

For motor neuropathy:

·         Muscle weakness and loss of muscle tone in the feet and lower legs

·         Loss of balance

·         Changes in foot shape that can lead to areas of increased pressure

For autonomic neuropathy:

·         Dry feet

·         Cracked skin

DiagnosisTo diagnose diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the foot and ankle surgeon will obtain the patient’s history of symptoms and will perform simple in-office tests on the feet and legs. This evaluation may include assessment of the patient’s reflexes, ability to feel light touch, and ability to feel vibration. In some cases, additional neurologic tests may be ordered.

TreatmentFirst and foremost, treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy centers on control of the patient’s blood sugar level. In addition, various options are used to treat the painful symptoms.

Medications are available to help relieve specific symptoms, such as tingling or burning. Sometimes a combination of different medications is used.

In some cases, the patient may also undergo physical therapy to help reduce balance problems or other symptoms.

PreventionThe patient plays a vital role in minimizing the risk of developing diabetic peripheral neuropathy and in preventing its possible consequences. Some important preventive measures include:

·         Keep blood sugar levels under control.

·         Wear well-fitting shoes to avoid getting sores.

·         Inspect your feet every day. If you notice any cuts, redness, blisters, or swelling, see your foot and ankle surgeon right away. This can prevent problems from becoming worse.

·         Visit your foot and ankle surgeon on a regular basis for an examination to help prevent the foot complications of diabetes.

·         Have periodic visits with your primary care physician or endocrinologist. The foot and ankle surgeon works together with these and other providers to prevent and treat complications from diabetes.

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you.  Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com  The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has Diagnostic imaging:  Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.

Dr. Anthony Ricciardi at the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has completed training in endoscopic/minimally invasive surgery for chronic heel pain and nerve pain, foot and ankle joint replacement for restoring pain free motion, arthroscopic surgery, bunion surgery, fracture repair, flat foot correction, external fixation for complex deformities and extensive experience in peripheral nerve surgery including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and reconstructive surgery of previously failed foot surgical procedures.  In addition to his surgical training Dr. Ricciardi focuses on sports medicine of the foot and ankle through regenerative techniques using the patient’s own blood/platelets for healing chronic foot and ankle problems (pain) as a result of repetitive sport injuries.  This cutting edge technology enables patients to continue training with little or no down time.  Dr. Ricciardi continues to be active in teaching and training other podiatric surgeons on innovative surgical techniques in foot surgery.  Dr. Ricciardi is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.  Dr. Ricciardi’s vision is to bring each patient the most current state of the Art Technology and personalized treatment options to meet their Foot and Ankle needs (from conservative care to surgical options).  Dr. Ricciardi believes in quality service and puts his patients first!

With diabetes, save a leg, save a life.......

With diabetes, save a leg, save a life

Published by: CNN Health

Each year in the U.S. diabetes results in the amputation of about 65,700 legs or feet. About 85% of those began with a diabetic foot ulcer. And for Dr. David Schwegman, the mission to educate people about the issue is personal.

His father, a diabetic, had a foot ulcer that resulted in the amputation of his left leg, which contributed to his death, his son said.

"He became a statistic," Schwegman said. "He was one of the 50% of people that died within five years after having an amputation."

Diabetic foot ulcers, or DFUs, are usually located on the ball of the foot, the bottom of the big toe or sides of the feet. They can be a result of neuropathy, or nerve damage which leads to a loss of feeling.

Although prevention is key, simply not treating an ulcer can lead to infection, particularly in the bone, and eventual loss of a limb.

"If you have a DFU that leads to a major amputation, your risk of death in five years is greater is higher than that of breast cancer and prostate cancer combined," Schwegman said.

"This is a very, very serious health problem that has very serious risks if not dealt with properly and quickly," the doctor said. "In order to do that, we really need to get the word out to both the patients and the physicians."

That's where the Save a Leg, Save a Life Foundation , or SALSAL, comes in. On Saturday, Schwegman, along with the Atlanta chapter of the national group, are offering free foot screenings as part of the American Diabetes Association's Health Expo.

You can find an expo near you by visiting the American Diabetes Association's calendar for 2011. Diabetics can be screened for cuts, blisters, discoloration of feet, and any signs of bacteria or infections, conditions that can lead to foot ulcers.

Right now, 18.8 million adults and children in the U.S. have diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 7 million people have undiagnosed diabetes and 79 million are prediabetic.

Diabetics need to know that treating the ulcer early is the best way to get  it healed.

"If we're not treating them aggressively, the chances that they heal is actually very, very low," Schwegman said.

An important part of the evaluation of a person with a diabetic foot ulcer is a thorough vascular exam, since diabetics have a higher risk of having peripheral arterial disease. The condition results when circulation to the legs and feet is blocked or narrowed by calcifications. The poor blood flow can cause pain and discoloration in the feet- an increase in a red color, a dusky bluish color or sometimes the toes turn black and result in amputation.

Dr. Desmond Bell, a wound care specialist and founder of SALSAL, recommends going straight to a podiatrist or wound care specialist if a cut, sore or wound does not heal in a week or two. Those with a history of diabetic foot ulcers should see a specialist immediately.

Bell said several newer treatments are available to treat these wounds. None are a "silver bullet" for every single wound.

SALSAL hopes to educate both physicians and the general public about them in order to prevent unnecessary amputations. Of the thousands of products available, only these three have evidence that they have increased wound healing rates:

-Advanced skin cell substitutes include Dermagraft and Apligraf. These are similar in that they are derived from neonatal foreskins.
-A growth factor gel, Regranex.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can also heal wounds and treat infections.

Most exciting, Bell said, is peripheral revascularization, in which cardiologists and others, go into the groin similar to an angioplasty for the heart. Through this new procedure, doctors can open up blockages in the leg and restore blood flow.

"It requires lots of doctors often times and it requires a motivated patient," Schwegman said. "By saving their leg, it really does save their life."

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you.  Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com  The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has Diagnostic imaging:  Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.

Dr. Anthony Ricciardi at the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has completed training in endoscopic/minimally invasive surgery for chronic heel pain and nerve pain, foot and ankle joint replacement for restoring pain free motion, arthroscopic surgery, bunion surgery, fracture repair, flat foot correction, external fixation for complex deformities and extensive experience in peripheral nerve surgery including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and reconstructive surgery of previously failed foot surgical procedures.  In addition to his surgical training Dr. Ricciardi focuses on sports medicine of the foot and ankle through regenerative techniques using the patient’s own blood/platelets for healing chronic foot and ankle problems (pain) as a result of repetitive sport injuries.  This cutting edge technology enables patients to continue training with little or no down time.  Dr. Ricciardi continues to be active in teaching and training other podiatric surgeons on innovative surgical techniques in foot surgery.  Dr. Ricciardi is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.  Dr. Ricciardi’s vision is to bring each patient the most current state of the Art Technology and personalized treatment options to meet their Foot and Ankle needs (from conservative care to surgical options).  Dr. Ricciardi believes in quality service and puts his patients first!

Charcot Foot

Published by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

What Is Charcot Foot?

Charcot foot is a condition causing weakening of the bones in the foot that can occur in people who have significant nerve damage (neuropathy). The bones are weakened enough to fracture, and with continued walking the foot eventually changes shape. As the disorder progresses, the joints collapse and the foot takes on an abnormal shape, such as a rocker-bottom appearance.

Charcot foot is a very serious condition that can lead to severe deformity, disability, and even amputation. Because of its seriousness, it is important that patients with diabetes—a disease often associated with neuropathy—take preventive measures and seek immediate care if signs or symptoms appear.

                        

Causes:

Charcot foot develops as a result of neuropathy, which decreases sensation and the ability to feel temperature, pain, or trauma. Because of diminished sensation, the patient may continue to walk—making the injury worse.

People with neuropathy (especially those who have had it for a long time) are at risk for developing Charcot foot. In addition, neuropathic patients with a tight Achilles tendon have been shown to have a tendency to develop Charcot foot.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of Charcot foot may include:

·         Warmth to the touch (the affected foot feels warmer than the other)

·         Redness in the foot

·         Swelling in the area

·         Pain or soreness

Diagnosis:

Early diagnosis of Charcot foot is extremely important for successful treatment. To arrive at a diagnosis, the surgeon will examine the foot and ankle and ask about events that may have occurred prior to the symptoms. X-rays and other imaging studies and tests may be ordered.

Once treatment begins, x-rays are taken periodically to aid in evaluating the status of the condition.

Non-Surgical Treatment:

It is extremely important to follow the surgeon’s treatment plan for Charcot foot. Failure to do so can lead to the loss of a toe, foot, leg, or life.

Non-surgical treatment for Charcot foot consists of:

·         Immobilization. Because the foot and ankle are so fragile during the early stage of Charcot, they must be protected so the weakened bones can repair themselves. Complete non-weight bearing is necessary to keep the foot from further collapsing. The patient will not be able to walk on the affected foot until the surgeon determines it is safe to do so. During this period, the patient may be fitted with a cast, removable boot, or brace, and may be required to use crutches or a wheelchair. It may take the bones several months to heal, although it can take considerably longer in some patients.

·         Custom shoes and bracing. Shoes with special inserts may be needed after the bones have healed to enable the patient to return to daily activities—as well as help prevent recurrence of Charcot foot, development of ulcers, and possibly amputation. In cases with significant deformity, bracing is also required.

·         Activity modification. A modification in activity level may be needed to avoid repetitive trauma to both feet. A patient with Charcot in one foot is more likely to develop it in the other foot, so measures must be taken to protect both feet.

When is Surgery Needed?

In some cases, the Charcot deformity may become severe enough that surgery is necessary. The foot and ankle surgeon will determine the proper timing as well as the appropriate procedure for the individual case.

Preventive Care:

The patient can play a vital role in preventing Charcot foot and its complications by following these measures:

·         Keeping blood sugar levels under control can help reduce the progression of nerve damage in the feet.

·         Get regular check-ups from a foot and ankle surgeon.

·         Check both feet every day—and see a surgeon immediately if you notice signs of Charcot foot.

·         Be careful to avoid injury, such as bumping the foot or overdoing an exercise program.

·         Follow the surgeon’s instructions for long-term treatment to prevent recurrences, ulcers, and amputation.

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you.  Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com  The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has Diagnostic imaging:  Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.

Dr. Anthony Ricciardi at the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has completed training in endoscopic/minimally invasive surgery for chronic heel pain and nerve pain, foot and ankle joint replacement for restoring pain free motion, arthroscopic surgery, bunion surgery, fracture repair, flat foot correction, external fixation for complex deformities and extensive experience in peripheral nerve surgery including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and reconstructive surgery of previously failed foot surgical procedures.  In addition to his surgical training Dr. Ricciardi focuses on sports medicine of the foot and ankle through regenerative techniques using the patient’s own blood/platelets for healing chronic foot and ankle problems (pain) as a result of repetitive sport injuries.  This cutting edge technology enables patients to continue training with little or no down time.  Dr. Ricciardi continues to be active in teaching and training other podiatric surgeons on innovative surgical techniques in foot surgery.  Dr. Ricciardi is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.  Dr. Ricciardi’s vision is to bring each patient the most current state of the Art Technology and personalized treatment options to meet their Foot and Ankle needs (from conservative care to surgical options).  Dr. Ricciardi believes in quality service and puts his patients first!