Items filtered by date: September 2025

Diabetic neuropathy damages the nerves in the feet due to prolonged high blood sugar levels, making people more vulnerable to serious foot problems. Nerve damage often causes numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp pain in the toes and feet. Because sensation is reduced, injuries like cuts, blisters, or sores may go unnoticed, allowing them to worsen into ulcers or become infected. In advanced cases, untreated wounds can lead to gangrene and the possibility of limb loss. Neuropathy can also weaken the muscles in the feet and ankles, increasing the risk of imbalance and falls. Some people may develop changes in foot shape, which can lead to bone fractures and collapse. A podiatrist can detect early warning signs of neuropathy through a thorough foot exam, provide treatment to relieve discomfort, and help prevent further complications. If you have symptoms of neuropathy in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for ongoing help in managing this condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Patricia Mcilrath, DPM from Health One Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Children and young teenagers who complain of heel pain may be experiencing a condition known as Sever’s disease. This condition is defined as inflammation in the growth plate of the heel due to repetitive force. It can affect children who frequently participate in running and jumping activities, such as soccer, basketball, or gymnastics. Early recognition and treatment is most effective with Sever’s disease. When this condition is managed early on, safe return to play and sports will be more likely. Mild relief can be found when the affected foot is elevate and the activity is temporarily ceased. If your child is limping or complaining of heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Patricia Mcilrath, DPM from Health One Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint shifts out of alignment. Over time, the top of the big toe leans toward the second toe, creating pressure and pain that can interfere with daily activities. Bunions often become irritated by shoes, leading to redness, swelling, and soreness along the side of the foot. Some people also notice thickened skin or corns where the toes rub together. The causes are often a mix of inherited foot structure, years of pressure from footwear, and conditions such as arthritis. While wide shoes and padding may ease discomfort, they do not stop the bunion from progressing. Severe cases may require surgery to correct the joint and restore function. If you are experiencing ongoing pain from a bunion, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

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 offices located in Reading and Rittenhouse Square, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Kohler disease is a rare foot condition that affects the tarsal navicular bone. This small midfoot bone helps connect the ankle to the toes and supports the arch, which becomes compressed and weakened. Kohler disease typically occurs in children between the ages of five and 10. The exact cause is unknown, but possible genetic links and disruptions in blood supply may contribute. Symptoms often include redness of the foot, tenderness along the length of the arch, swelling, and limping due to pain. Although the condition usually resolves with time, early diagnosis is important to relieve discomfort and prevent long-term issues. A podiatrist can provide supportive treatments, recommend protective footwear, and monitor healing. If your child shows signs of Kohler disease or has foot pain of any kind, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist to schedule an appointment for expert care.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.

A foot corn is a small, thickened area of skin that develops due to repeated friction or pressure, most often on the toes or soles of the feet. Corns can cause discomfort, tenderness, or pain when walking or wearing shoes. Common causes include wearing ill-fitting footwear, abnormal gait, or prolonged pressure on certain areas of the foot. Risk factors include wearing high heels, spending long hours on your feet, and foot deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes. A podiatrist can help by safely removing corns, providing custom orthotics, and offering guidance to prevent recurrence. If foot corns are causing pain or limiting your activities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to restore comfort and improve mobility.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Patricia Mcilrath, DPM of Health One Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.