Items filtered by date: July 2025

The feet contain 26 bones each, creating numerous joints and surfaces where bone spurs may develop from repeated stress, inflammation, or injury. These bony growths, known as osteophytes, often form when the body responds to pressure or friction. If conservative care does not ease symptoms, a podiatrist may suggest surgery to remove the bone spur or address any tight tissues that may be contributing to discomfort. Resection surgery trims away the excess bone, and the type depends on the location. A dorsal spur excision is on the top of the foot, an inferior heel spur resection is under the heel, and a posterior heel spur removal is at the back of the heel. If soft tissue is involved, plantar fascia release or partial Achilles tendon release may be employed. In cases of severe joint damage, joint fusion can stabilize the area while joint replacement can restore movement. If you are experiencing this type of foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Patricia Mcilrath, DPM of Health One Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Reading and Rittenhouse Square, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-flops may feel convenient in warm weather, but wearing them for long periods of time can lead to foot problems. Their flat, thin soles often lack arch support and cushioning, which can place extra strain on the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the bottom of the foot. This may lead to heel pain or plantar fasciitis. Because flip-flops do not secure the foot well, the toes often grip to keep the shoe in place, which can fatigue the muscles and cause discomfort in the ball of the foot. The lack of structure can also affect alignment, placing stress on the ankles and contributing to tendon strain, especially in the arch area. Walking long distances in flip flops may increase the risk of overuse injuries and make existing foot conditions worse. If you are experiencing foot pain after spending the day in flip-flops, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis, treatment plan,  and guidance on appropriate footwear.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Patricia Mcilrath, DPM from Health One Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Reading and Rittenhouse Square, PA .  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain on the outer edge of the foot, known as lateral foot pain, can result from a variety of issues affecting the bones, joints, ligaments, or tendons. Common causes of lateral foot pain include stress fractures from repetitive impact, such as running or jumping, and cuboid syndrome, which involves injury to a bone along the outer midfoot. Peroneal tendonitis may also lead to lateral pain due to overuse or an ankle injury. Twisting the foot inward can stretch or tear ligaments, resulting in a sprain that causes sharp pain and bruising on the outside of the ankle. In some cases, inherited conditions like tarsal coalition, where bones near the back of the foot grow together abnormally, may lead to chronic stiffness and discomfort. Arthritis may also affect the outer foot joints, especially with age or previous injury. A podiatrist can examine the foot, order imaging tests if needed, and offer treatment. If you have pain on the outer side of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Patricia Mcilrath, DPM from Health One Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Reading and Rittenhouse Square, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Clubfoot is a congenital condition where a newborn's foot is twisted out of its normal position. The foot turns inward and downward, affecting one or both feet. The exact cause is not always known, but genetic factors and conditions affecting fetal development may play a role. Symptoms include visible foot deformity, limited range of motion, and differences in leg length or muscle tone. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid long-term disability. A podiatrist can offer guidance by recommending or overseeing corrective treatments, such as casting, bracing, or, in some cases, surgery. If your infant has signs of clubfoot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist and include this type of doctor on your healthcare team to ensure the best outcome.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Patricia Mcilrath, DPM of Health One Podiatry. 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 offices located in Reading and Rittenhouse Square, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Maintaining everyday foot health is essential for a good quality of life, productive work, and regular physical activity. Healthy feet support your entire body and keep you moving comfortably. Simple habits, such as not sharing shoes, performing gentle foot stretches, and keeping shoes dry, help prevent infections and discomfort. Moisture in shoes can lead to fungal issues, while wearing tight or improper footwear can cause pain or long-term damage. A podiatrist can help identify underlying problems, offer preventive care, and recommend the best practices for daily foot maintenance. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and offer additional guidance of everyday foot care tips.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Patricia Mcilrath, DPM from Health One Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Reading and Rittenhouse Square, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.