Finding the right running shoe begins with understanding your foot type and gait. Pronation refers to how the foot rolls inward during movement. Neutral pronation occurs when weight is evenly distributed, providing balanced support. Overpronation happens when the foot rolls inward excessively, increasing strain on joints. Supination occurs when the foot rolls outward, reducing shock absorption. Stability running shoes are designed to support overpronation by controlling motion and improving alignment. Neutral running shoes provide cushioning and are best for those with balanced gait or mild supination. Risk factors for improper fit include foot structure and activity level. A podiatrist can evaluate gait, recommend proper footwear, and help with  injury prevention tips. If you enjoy running and have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat foot and ankle conditions and guide you on what type of running shoes to buy.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Anthony Ricciardi Jr., DPM from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nevada. Our Doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, Nevada . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity where one of the smaller toes bends at the middle joint. This can lead to pain and difficulty wearing shoes. When the hammertoe becomes stiff or painful, surgery may be needed to correct its position. One type of procedure is a tendon transfer. This moves a tendon to help pull the toe into a straighter position. Another option is joint resection. This procedure removes part of the joint to allow the toe to lie flat. Fusion surgery is often used in more severe cases. It involves joining the bones together to keep the toe straight. If pain is particularly severe, other options may be considered. A podiatrist can examine the toe, order imaging to determine the severity, and recommend the most effective procedure for improved alignment and reduced pain. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Anthony Ricciardi Jr., DPM from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nevada. Our Doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, Nevada . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is often described as sharp heel pain with first steps, but many people notice it behaves in less predictable ways. The plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, helps store and release energy with each step. When it becomes irritated, the pain may ease after moving, then return later in the day or after standing too long. Tight calves, changes in activity, or even long periods of sitting can all play a role. It is not always about overuse. Wearing supportive shoes, gentle stretching, and pacing daily activity can help calm symptoms. Avoiding sudden increases in walking or exercise is also important. Early attention can prevent a longer recovery. If heel discomfort lingers or keeps returning, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Anthony Ricciardi Jr., DPM from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nevada. Our Doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, Nevada . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot infections can affect anyone, but they tend to be more complicated in people with diabetes. Even a small cut, blister, or sore can worsen quickly when blood flow or sensation is reduced. In these cases, the body may not respond as efficiently, allowing the problem to spread deeper into the skin or surrounding tissue. Compared to those without diabetes, these infections are more likely to return after treatment, require hospital care, or lead to more extensive procedures. Healing can also take longer, especially if the issue is not addressed early. For individuals without diabetes, infections still need prompt attention, but they often resolve more quickly with appropriate care. The key in all cases is early recognition and treatment. If you notice redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or increasing pain in your foot, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may require wound care.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Anthony Ricciardi Jr., DPM from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nevada. Our Doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Las Vegas, Nevada . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail loss can occur for a number of reasons. Trauma, such as stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on it, or repeated pressure from tight shoes or sports activities, is a common cause. This can lead to blood collecting under the nail, which may cause it to loosen and detach. Fungal infections can also damage the nail, making it thick, brittle, discolored, and more likely to separate from the skin beneath the nail. Psoriasis or eczema also may affect nail growth and structure and lead to a nail shedding. Certain medications and medical conditions that affect circulation or the immune system can also contribute to toenail loss. A podiatrist can examine the area to determine the underlying cause of loss and provide treatment to support healthy new nail growth. If your toenail has fallen off, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Anthony Ricciardi Jr., DPM of Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nevada. Our Doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Las Vegas, Nevada . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain can develop for many reasons, ranging from mild strain to serious injury. A common cause of ankle pain is a sprain, which happens when the strong bands of tissue that connect bones in the ankle joint are stretched or torn. This may happen during sudden twisting or overuse. Achilles tendonitis is another source of ankle discomfort. It involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the thick cord that connects the calf muscles to the heel. Bursitis may also lead to ankle pain. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the ankle joint, and when they become irritated, swelling and aching can occur. In more severe cases, ankle pain may result from a break in one of the bones that form the ankle joint. A podiatrist can perform a thorough evaluation, use X-rays and other imaging to determine the cause, and create a treatment plan to reduce pain and restore mobility. If ankle pain is interfering with your daily activities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Anthony Ricciardi Jr., DPM from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nevada. Our Doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, Nevada . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet occur when the arch on the inside of the foot is low or missing, causing most of the sole to touch the ground while standing or walking. The arch helps absorb shock and spread body weight during movement. When it flattens, the foot may roll inward and place strain on muscles and joints. Some people with flat feet have no symptoms, but others develop pain in the arch, heel, or ankle. Pain often worsens after long periods of standing or walking. Swelling along the inside of the ankle, tired feet, or shoes wearing out unevenly may also occur. Flat feet may develop when arches fail to form during childhood, or when supportive tissues weaken with age. Injury, arthritis, excess body weight, or inherited conditions can also affect foot structure. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Anthony Ricciardi Jr., DPM from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nevada. Our Doctor 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 Las Vegas, Nevada . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Clubfoot is a congenital condition in which a newborn foot appears twisted inward and downward due to abnormal development of muscles, tendons and ligaments. The exact cause is not always known, but genetics play a significant role and the condition may run in families. Environmental factors during pregnancy may also contribute. Diagnosis is often made at birth through a physical examination and sometimes confirmed with a prenatal ultrasound. Symptoms include a visibly rotated foot, limited range of motion, and stiffness, although the condition is not typically painful in infancy. A podiatrist provides early evaluation, guidance, and ongoing care through stretching, casting, bracing, and monitoring progress. Early treatment improves long-term mobility and function. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team to ensure the best outcome for your child’s development.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Anthony Ricciardi Jr., DPM of Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nevada. Our Doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, Nevada . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.