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Understanding Plantar Fasciitis

Tuesday, 05 May 2026

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most frequent causes of heel discomfort and develops when the strong band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated or overstressed. This tissue, called the plantar fascia, supports the arch and helps absorb the force created during walking and standing. When the fascia becomes strained, tiny tears can develop that lead to inflammation and heel pain. Many people first notice discomfort when stepping out of bed in the morning or after sitting for a long period. The pain may feel sharp at the heel and sometimes spreads across the bottom of the foot. Causes include overuse, tight calf muscles, flat feet, high arches, or shoes that lack proper support. A podiatrist can evaluate the foot structure, identify the source of the irritation, and guide treatment. Care may include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory care, and targeted exercises to ease tension. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 Milos Tomich, DPM from Dr. Tomich Foot & Ankle Health Center. 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 one of our offices located in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Definition and Risk Factors of Plantar Warts

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

Plantar warts are benign skin lesions that develop on the soles of the feet as a result of infection with the human papillomavirus. The virus enters through tiny cuts or abrasions in the skin and thrives in warm, moist environments. These growths often appear as rough, grainy areas with small dark spots and may cause pain or tenderness when walking or standing. Symptoms can include thickened skin, discomfort with pressure, and the sensation of stepping on a small stone. Risk factors include walking barefoot in public areas, weakened immunity, and direct contact with the virus. A podiatrist can provide safe removal and targeted treatment. Plantar warts can be painful, and daily activities may be difficult to complete. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Milos Tomich, DPM from Dr. Tomich Foot & Ankle Health Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
Hard or thick callused spots
Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

Freezing
Electric tool removal
Laser Treatment
Topical Creams (prescription only)
Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

How an Ankle Replacement Restores Mobility

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

Ankle replacement is a surgical procedure in which a damaged ankle joint is replaced with an artificial implant to restore function and reduce pain. The surgery is performed under anesthesia, allowing the surgeon to remove diseased or injured bone and cartilage before placing the prosthetic joint. Common causes that may lead to ankle replacement include severe arthritis, bone fractures, infections, and tumors that compromise joint integrity. Symptoms often include chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility that do not respond to conservative treatments. A podiatrist can evaluate ankle health, determine if replacement is appropriate, coordinate appropriate care and manage post-operative recovery. If you have an ankle condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Milos Tomich, DPM of Dr. Tomich Foot & Ankle Health Center. 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.

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Friday, 17 April 2026

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Common Foot and Ankle Injuries in Pickleball Among Seniors

Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Pickleball has grown in popularity among seniors, but quick stops, pivots, and lateral movements place significant stress on the feet and ankles. Recent studies estimate 19,000 pickleball injuries in adults over 50 in a single year. One of the most common injuries is an ankle sprain, which happens when the foot rolls during sudden direction changes. Players also develop Achilles tendon inflammation from repeated push-off movements, along with heel and arch pain caused by strain to the plantar fascia. The court surface increases impact forces, leading to stress fractures in the metatarsal bones. A podiatrist can use diagnostic imaging to identify bone injuries. Treatment may include bracing, immobilization, anti-inflammatory care, or custom orthotic devices to improve foot alignment. This helps to reduce stress during activity and prevent recurring injuries. If you experience foot or ankle pain after playing pickleball, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Milos Tomich, DPM from Dr. Tomich Foot & Ankle Health Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Ankle Sprains
Broken Foot
Plantar Fasciitis
Stress Fractures
Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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