Hammer, claw, and mallet toes are toe deformities that affect the joints and can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty in walking. A hammertoe bends at the middle joint, a mallet toe affects the joint closest to the tip, and a claw toe involves abnormal bending at both the middle and end joints, often pointing downward. These conditions may be caused by wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, muscle imbalances, arthritis, trauma, or a genetic predisposition. Symptoms include curled or bent toes, pain while wearing shoes, corns or calluses on the tops or tips of toes, in addition to redness, swelling, and restricted movement. The affected toes may appear misshapen and feel stiff or sore, especially during activity. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition with a physical exam and possibly X-rays to assess joint damage or misalignment. Treatment may involve changing footwear, using custom orthotics, toe exercises, or, in more severe cases, surgery to realign the joints. If you have any of the above ailments, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat these conditions.

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

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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.

A bunion forms when the joint at the base of the big toe gradually shifts, creating a bony bump that can become sore, inflamed, and irritated by footwear. Podiatrists evaluate the degree of the deformity and tailor care to relieve discomfort and prevent it from worsening. Supportive shoes with ample toe space, cushioning to reduce rubbing, and custom orthotic inserts can help improve foot mechanics. Cold therapy and anti-inflammatory treatments may ease swelling and tenderness. In cases where pain limits activity or the bunion continues to progress, surgery may be recommended to realign the joint. Addressing the problem early often makes it easier to manage and helps maintain comfortable movement. If you have persistent pain or difficulty wearing shoes due to a bunion, it is suggested you arrange an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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 blisters are small fluid-filled sacs that develop on the skin, often due to friction from shoes, excessive moisture, or heat. Common causes include wearing new or ill-fitting footwear, prolonged walking or running, and burns. Athletes often get blisters from repetitive friction on their skin from shoes rubbing against the feet. Blisters can feel painful, tender, or irritated, especially when pressure is applied. Blisters may appear as clear, raised bumps, but if they become red, cloudy, or filled with pus, infection may be present. Symptoms like multiple blisters, spreading redness, warmth, or fever can signal a more serious condition that needs professional care. A podiatrist can safely drain large or painful blisters, treat any infection with antibiotics, and provide advice on blister prevention. They may also recommend protective padding or custom orthotics to reduce pressure and friction. If you have a bothersome foot blister, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

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

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 Las Vegas, Nevada . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spurs are bony growths that can form on the heel bone in response to constant strain on the foot's soft tissues. The two most common types are plantar heel spurs, which develop underneath the heel, and dorsal heel spurs, which form at the back of the heel near the Achilles tendon. These heel spurs often result from long-term traction, meaning a continuous pulling force placed on the heel bone by muscles, tendons, and the plantar fascia. This ongoing pull can be the result of standing, walking, or abnormal foot motion. This happens when the arch flattens too much, a motion called excessive pronation. Over time, the repeated strain may lead to microtears in the plantar fascia, which triggers inflammation and the formation of a heel spur. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of heel pain and offer appropriate treatment, including orthotics or surgery. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Anthony Ricciardi Jr., DPM from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nevada. Our Doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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.