Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center: March 2012

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

9 Footwear Do's and Don'ts

Your shoes may be stylish, but should you be wearing them?

Published By U.S. News and World Report

Our poor feet…They withstand lots of abuse, quickly carrying us to last-minute outings, pounding the pavement on mind-clearing runs, and being squeezed into impractical (but fashionable) shoes. But we need to take care of them to avoid foot pain, injury, and other ailments. So do your tootsies a favor and follow these healthy tips.

Don't wear high heels for too long. We've all been there: out on the town in an amazing pair of pumps … with achy feet and knees. A 2010 study found that over time, wearing heels higher than 2 inches can put you at risk for joint degeneration and knee osteoarthritis, and a new study finds that high heels are a leading cause of ingrown toenails, which can lead to infection and permanent nail damage. But we're not telling you to stop wearing heels—that's unrealistic. "I wouldn't recommend walking miles in heels, but a comfortable heel can be worn to work all day if it has the right features and/or orthotic," says Michele Summers, a California-based podiatrist and shoe designer. (You can pick up arch-support inserts at drug stores.) Try saving your sky-high heels for short-lived occasions like dinners, says John Brummer, a New York City-based podiatrist.

Don't wear flip-flops everywhere. They're easy, and as temperatures heat up, you're likely to slip them on often. Cool it, say experts. "Flip-flops give your foot basically no support, and the constant rubbing of the thong between the toes can cause a friction blister," says Summers. Not to mention they make stubbed toes, cuts, and sprained ankles more likely, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Limit flip-flops to settings like the beach or the pool. And when you do wear them, invest in a supportive leather pair, or a pair that carries the APMA seal of acceptance, the association advises. (If you have diabetes, you should never wear flip-flops, since the disease can dull your sense of pain, allowing minor wounds to become major problems—infected, for example—without your knowledge.)

Do exercise in shoes designed for your sport. It's "extremely important" to find gym shoes designed for your sport of choice because they'll accommodate the actions needed for the specific activity, says Brummer. If you're a runner, consider going a step further with a professional fitting, since your gait and range of motion affect the shoe you need, advises the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. For example, overpronators—runners whose feet rotate too far inward—are steered toward shoes that offer more support.

Don't wear the same shoes every day. It's tempting to always throw on your trusty flats. But alternating shoes can help keep your feet limber, says Summers. Plus it's good to air out shoes every other day to avoid bad smells. (Your significant other will thank you.)

Don't wear hand-me-downs. Reconsider those thrift-store sandals. "Each foot imprints a different wear pattern into the shoe," says Summers, so a used pair may not be the best fit.

Do discard worn-out shoes. Speaking of old shoes, it might be time to pitch yours. (Sniff.) If the sole is worn down more on one side than the other or is separating, let the pair go, says Summers. And replace athletic shoes that are beyond their shelf life; running shoes can last about 300 to 500 miles before causing problems, depending on the athlete, Brummer says.

Do change out of sweaty footwear. Fungal infections aren't just a consequence of barefoot showering at the gym. (By the way, don't do that.) You could get athlete's foot if you hang out in damp hosiery. Change your shoes and socks regularly, wash your feet daily, and dry your feet thoroughly to help prevent infection, advises the APMA.

Do have your feet measured. It's not your imagination: Your shoes may no longer fit. "Our shoe size can change from anything such as weight gain, hormonal activity, circulation disorders, or simple aging," says Brummer. "It is best to try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen." You should have your feet measured at least once a year, especially if you're an older adult, adds Summers. (If you have diabetes, you should also see a podiatrist at least twice a year, Brummer says.)

Don't buy shoes that hurt. Sorry to break it to you, but you're probably not going to break in those painful shoes. "A shoe should feel comfortable when you try it on in the store," says Summers. "If it feels too tight in the store, it will be too tight at home and may even feel worse after being worn for a little while." That said, shoes can be stretched and modified for certain foot deformities such as bunions and hammertoes, says Brummer. Use good judgment—and walk away if you have any doubts. Your (happy) feet will thank you later.

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office in Las Vegas 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!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Foot care tips for diabetics can save a limb

Posted on: NewsUSA via KXLY-TV

News USA - Complications due to diabetes are the No. 1 cause of lower-leg amputations and account for nearly 86,000 amputations per year. Doctors estimate almost 50 percent of these amputations could have been prevented if the person had taken better care of their feet.

"I can't emphasize enough how important it is for a person with diabetes to pay rigorous attention to their feet. Foot infections are the most common issue for a person with diabetes and are more severe and take longer to heal than in a person without diabetes," says Dr. Alan Farber, a certified doctor of podiatric medicine.

Farber added, "Proper foot care is simple and includes things like using an antifungal daily, not only to heal, but also to prevent fungal infections, and using a moisturizer daily to heal and prevent dry, cracked skin."

Are you being thorough enough in your foot care? Read on to find out:

* Whether indoors on plush rugs or outdoors on white sand, never walk barefoot. Podiatrists recommend wide, closed-toed shoes with socks that fit very well. Shoes should not require "breaking in."

* Clean feet daily with warm water and mild soap, but don't soak them for more than three or four minutes. Skin submerged for too long will become macerated and more vulnerable to bacteria.

* Cracks in dry skin provide ideal openings for bacteria. Look for moisturizing creams containing L-Arginine. L-Arginine helps stimulate healthy blood flow to heal dry, cracked skin. This special cream is available only in the diabetic section of your favorite drugstore or superstore.

* Under no circumstances should you shave or attempt to remove calluses or corns. Instead, show them to your podiatrist and ask about specially prescribed shoes. Even before your appointment, buy a cream made especially for people with diabetes that specifies it helps soften calluses, and apply it every day.

* Meticulously inspect feet, toes and toenails for swelling, cuts, blisters, redness, fungal buildup or any type of irritation on a daily basis. If you have thickened toenails, have a podiatrist test for fungus. If fungus is present, an antifungal will likely be recommended.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Health Tip: Diabetics, Take Care of Your Feet

Reduce the risk of foot ulcers

Posted on: HealthDay News via MSN

(HealthDay News) -- Foot ulcers (sores) are common in people with diabetes. Left uncontrolled or untreated, they can lead to amputation. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of extremity amputation in the United States in cases that don't involve a traumatic injury.

The American Podiatric Medical Association offers these suggestions to help reduce the risk of foot ulcers.

Avoid smoking and alcohol.
Keep cholesterol under control.
Manage blood glucose.
Wear shoes and socks at all times.
Check your feet regularly for wounds or abnormalities.
Keep any sores that do develop clean and bandaged.

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!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

10 Common Foot Conditions Explained

Learn how to give your soles, heels and toes the TLC they need

Published in Woman’s Day by Jennifer Tzeses

They keep us grounded, get us where we need to go and bear the brunt of exercise, but instead of treating our tootsies with the attention they deserve, we often sacrifice the health of our feet for fashion. Those super-high stilettos may look sexy, but the price of wearing them isn’t pretty. Heels aren’t the only foot faux pas; flats can be just as damaging. Here, advice from the pros on how to stay one step ahead of the most common foot problems.

Toenail Fungus
If you notice your toenail looks yellow, has white marks on it or contains debris underneath, chances are a fungus is hanging out under your nail. “It’s a highly contagious infection that’s transmitted from foot to foot, particularly in germy hotbeds like nail salons and gyms,” says Carolyn McAloon, DPM, spokeswoman for the American Podiatric Medical Association. Usually it’s not painful, although wearing a shoe that’s pressing on the infected area can irritate it, she says. Fungi thrive in dark, wet, warm areas. To prevent one from taking hold, wear shoes made of breathable fabrics, like leather or canvas, and be sure to take off your socks and shoes to air out your feet after exercising or working all day. A fungus can be treated by trimming and filing any loose areas of the nail, soaking feet in water that contains a few drops of tea tree oil (which is a natural antifungal), using a topical antifungal treatment (if necessary) and bleaching the shower to kill any lingering fungus, says Dr. McAloon.

Heel Pain
The biggest culprit for heel pain, or plantar fasciitis, is wearing the wrong shoes for the activity you’re doing. For example, if you don ballet flats for taking a daylong sightseeing stroll, your heels won’t get the support they need, says Dr. McAloon. “Improper shoes are like dessert: If you wear them in excess, there are likely to be negative consequences,” she adds. Be smart about your shoes. If you have to wear heels to a meeting, bring a pair of sneakers for the commute. Stretching and icing your heels can help relieve pain. From a seated position, try flexing your feet by pulling your toes toward your nose. Rolling your feet over a frozen water bottle can also alleviate discomfort.

Burning
Have you ever taken off your heels after dancing the night away and been overcome with what can only be described as an inferno under your feet? If so, you can thank your shoes. “When you squeeze your toes into narrow high heels, you put pressure on the balls and sides of the feet, so the nerves between your toes get compressed, causing a burning, tingling or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot,” says Amber M. Shane, DPM, FACFAS, a reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon in Orlando, Florida. Shoes need to accommodate the foot so there’s room for toes to wiggle. The ideal heel height is less than two inches. However, since most women won’t go that low, a platform heel is a good compromise. This stacked heel makes full contact with the ground, which distributes pressure more evenly, says Dr. Shane.

Bunions
If you’ve seen someone with a bump on the side of her big toe, it’s not an extra knuckle—it’s a bunion. These unsightly bulges appear thanks to an inherited foot type, which deforms the bones and ligaments, says Dr. McAloon. Wearing shoes that crowd the toes or are too tight can increase the likelihood of getting them and make existing bunions worse. To prevent a bunion from appearing in the first place, stick to shoes with a roomy toe area. If you do have a bunion, a gel pad can help minimize contact with the shoe, Dr. McAloon says. If your bunion becomes inflamed and painful, apply ice packs several times a day to reduce swelling. The only way to actually get rid of a bunion is through surgery, so if pain interferes with daily activity, talk to your doctor, recommends Dr. McAloon.

Toe Cramps
Unlike other parts of the body, toes just aren’t that flexible, so when they end up in a position they aren’t used to, the muscle becomes strained and cramps. Anything from new shoes, exercising or dehydration can cause a toe cramp. To ward them off, break in new shoes before extended wear, go easy on your feet if you’re partaking in a new exercise class and make sure you’re drinking enough water, says Dr. Shane. At the onset of a cramp, stop what you’re doing, take off the shoe and stretch the toes back and forth. If you continue to move through the cramp, you can end up tearing the muscle, she says.

Corns or Calluses
When the skin on your feet continuously rubs against your shoes or against itself, the result can be a corn or callus. Both consist of hard, dead, thick skin. Corns usually appear on or between the toes, while calluses form on the soles of the feet or the side of the big toe, explains Dr. McAloon. Use a pumice stone to buff rough skin, or try a urea cream, which can slough it away. To prevent both conditions, your first line of defense is to make sure your shoes fit properly. Feet can change and swell due to pregnancy and other health conditions, so you should get them measured every few years by a shoe store employee. The best time to get your feet measured is in the late afternoon and, since most feet aren't the same size, always buy the larger foot's size. It's also a good idea to opt for closed-toe shoes, since feet move around more in sandals. To reduce the friction caused by ill-fitting shoes, place moleskin or padding on the affected areas. If pain occurs, particularly from a corn, see your doctor, who can remove it.

Achilles Tendonitis
You may not be the heel-wearing type, but even some flats can be, well, too flat. When your feet are close to the ground and your heel isn’t supported properly, you can pull the tendon that attaches the heel to the foot, says Dr. McAloon. Flip-flops, flats or any shoe that bends, folds or twists at the center shouldn’t be worn for prolonged periods of time, she says. The painful condition will improve with rest, and ice can help ease pain and inflammation.

Bone Spur
Wearing a rigid shoe can cause your Achilles tendon to rub against the fabric, which can form a bump. Basically it’s calcification that appears where the tendon attaches to the heel bone, says Dr. Shane. It can result from exercise, wearing new shoes or weight gain—anything that puts stress on the area. At the onset of pain, stretch the backs of your feet. Anti-inflammatory meds, like ibuprofen, can reduce inflammation and swelling, Dr. Shane says.

Ingrown Toenail
“Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the nail that’s growing into the skin, but the skin that’s growing up over the nail,” says Dr. Shane. Ingrowns happen when a nail is cut too short or its corners are rounded with a file, or when there’s too much pressure from shoes. Sports in which you frequently start and stop, like tennis or basketball, can jam toes and cause ingrowns. Soak your foot in an Epsom salt bath to help relax the tissue, decrease inflammation and separate the nail from the skin a bit, Dr. Shane recommends. If it gets infected, see your doctor, who can remove just the part of the skin that’s ingrown. To prevent them, trim toenails straight across and leave them slightly longer than the end of the toe.

Hammertoe

Imagine that your toe looks more like a claw than a human appendage; hammertoe is a condition in which one or both toe joints are bent and the toe points toward the floor. “The muscles that control your toes get out of balance and force the toe to bend into an odd position at one or more joints,” says Dr. McAloon. The most common cause is too-tight shoes, though some people can be more prone to it because of an inherited foot type. It’s not necessary to correct a hammertoe (with surgery) unless it causes you pain or interferes with daily activities, Dr. McAloon says. There are things you can do at home to help, such as avoiding pressure on the toes, wearing shoes with a roomy toe box and applying a topical pain-relieving gel to ease aches.

Photos, from top to bottom: Thinkstock, Thinkstock, Shutterstock, Thinkstock, Thinkstock. Dave & Les Jacobs/Getty Images

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office in Las Vegas 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!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

A parent’s guide to foot health for athletic kids

Posted on ARA via WCHS-TV

(ARA) - With the Olympics approaching in July, you can expect to witness some amazing feats of athleticism this summer. But Olympic athletes won't be the only ones competing hard in summer sports - so will your kids.

Millions of American children will participate in warm weather sports this year, from softball to soccer and swimming to cycling. No matter what their sport or whether they play competitively or just for fun, they will have one important thing in common: They'll need their feet to be pain-free if they're going to play their best and prevent injuries.

"Sports play a significant role in the lives of millions of young athletes," says Dr. Michael King, a podiatrist and president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). "Parents need to be aware that sports, which require a substantial amount of running, turning, and contact, can translate to injuries. Protecting children's feet from injuries, and bringing them to a podiatrist when problems occur, can help keep kids in the game and make the sport more enjoyable."

APMA offers some tips for helping protect children's feet while playing warm weather sports:

* Protective taping of the ankles is often necessary to help prevent sprains or fractures.

* Buying a shoe designed for the specific sport your child plays not only improves your child's performance in the sport, it also can help protect him or her from serious foot and ankle injuries. APMA has given its Seal of Acceptance to a select number of sports footwear, which offer all-leather materials and protective support.

* Without the right sock, even the best athletic shoe won't score points-on the field or off. Athletic socks should consist of a natural/synthetic blend, which is best at wicking away moisture and minimizing foot odor. Socks should not have large seams that might cause blisters or irritation.

Commonly played warm-weather sports and the risks associated with them include:

* Basketball - Children playing basketball may be at risk for ankle sprains, tendinitis and plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the thick band of tissue on the sole of the foot). To minimize the risk of foot injury, choose a shoe with a thick, stiff sole, high ankle support and shock absorption.

* Tennis - The rapid, repetitive lateral movements and shifting of weight required of tennis players can lead to injuries such as ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis and corns or calluses. Tennis players will do best with a flexible-soled shoe that supports both sides of the foot.
* Running - Movements required of runners include leg extension and hitting the balls of the feet with a great deal of force. Running can lead to shin splints, heel pain and blisters. A good running shoe should offer good support and shock absorption. In some cases, custom orthotics may be necessary to provide additional support and control of foot motion.

* Soccer - The running, jumping and lateral movements required of soccer players can lead to many foot injuries, with heel pain and shin splints being among the most common. Soccer shoes should provide multiple cleats in the heel area and enough room for thick soccer socks.

"Sports-related foot and ankle injuries are on the rise as more children participate actively in sports," King says. "Parents need to be vigilant to ensure children's feet remain healthy and safe. And remember - lack of complaint by a child is not a reliable sign that everything is fine. The bones of growing feet are so flexible that they can be twisted and distorted without the child being aware of it."

Ensuring your child's feet stay healthy could go a long way - your young athlete could one day be the next LeBron James or Brandi Chastain. If your child participates in strenuous sports, monitor his or her foot health closely. If you suspect a problem, take your child to a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

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!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Salon trip could lead to fungal infection

Posted on: WZVN-TV (Collier County, FL)

Video:

www.abc7.com/story/17005054/2012/002/23/salon-trip-could-lead-to-fungal-infection

You could end up in your doctor's office with a fungal infection after getting a pedicure if your salon doesn't clean its instruments properly.

Vera Occhipinti gets a pedicure every other month. This time when the dark red nail polish came off, her podiatrist found something she never expected.

"A slight fungus under the dark nail polish," said Occhipinti.

While Occhipinti has no idea how she got the fungus, she says it easily could have come from her nail salon.

Dr Elena Cibula says Occhipinti is not alone.

The podiatrist has treated several patients with fungal and bacterial infections that came from dirty salon instruments like nail clippers, whirlpools, even the brush of the nail polish.

"If they use instrument one person that had fungus infection and do not disinfect it, it can spread," said Cibula.

Under state law salons must follow strict guidelines when it comes to cleaning instruments.

Sheila Greer at Polished Nail Boutique says she sanitizes everything to keep anything from spreading.

NBC2 found dozens of inspection reports for salons in Lee and Collier counties that failed to comply with proper cleaning procedures.

We checked out one of those salons, Bohemia Beauty Salon in Naples. According to the report, there was no cleaning solution at all.

The owner didn't want to go on camera, but says since the inspection they have hired a new nail technician who cleans everything between clients.

If you want to make sure your feet stay fungus-free you should always bring your own tools to the salon. You can also bring your own nail polish. Some places will even give you a discount.

Occhipinti will have to get pricey treatment to get rid of her fungus and make sure it doesn't spread.

She says now she'll think twice before getting her nails done.

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!