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Can I Wear the Same Shoes for Walking and Running?

Tuesday, 30 December 2025

Although the movements of walking and running are similar, the areas of the body affected and the force of impact vary. When running, more force is exerted from the knees, ankles, and hips, with far greater impact than walking. Also, the heel, mid-foot, and toes bear the heaviest weight load as they strike the ground during running, while walking tends to distribute weight more evenly across the foot. All of these factors dictate that different types of shoes and levels of support are necessary for running versus walking. A good running shoe will have more cushioning than is necessary in a walking shoe, with a heel that is flared and raised higher than the toe. Running shoes are not as flexible as walking shoes, with most flexibility occurring in the arch and middle of the foot, whereas a good walking shoe will have more flexibility overall and particularly in the front of the foot to enable a powerful push-off. The heels on walking shoes should not be flared or much higher than the toes at all. A podiatrist can offer more specific criteria on footwear for runners and walkers to achieve peak performance and reduce the risk of injury.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Milos Tomich, DPM from Dr. Tomich Foot & Ankle Health Center. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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.

Stretches That Can Ease Tendinitis in the Foot

Tuesday, 23 December 2025

Peroneal tendinitis involves irritation of the two peroneal tendons that run behind the outer ankle and attach to the side of the foot. This irritation, which develops from repeated strain, is common among runners and endurance athletes. When the peroneal tendons become irritated, the outer foot and ankle can feel sore and stiff. Gentle stretching helps maintain motion while reducing tightness in the surrounding tissues. A towel stretch, a standing calf stretch, and controlled inward and outward foot movements keep the ankle flexible and support healthier tendon function. These stretches also help reduce pressure on the tendons and improve comfort as the foot heals. With proper rest and conservative management, this condition often improves without surgery, but guidance is helpful. A podiatrist can explain which stretches are safe and recommend further care. If you are experiencing symptoms of peroneal tendinitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet 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.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles

Wednesday, 17 December 2025

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

What Podiatrists Do Every Day to Keep You Moving

Tuesday, 16 December 2025

A podiatrist’s job focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions that affect the feet and ankles. Their work ranges from caring for simple concerns like nail problems, calluses, or heel pain, to managing more complex issues such as fractures, tendon injuries, and chronic conditions that affect mobility. They examine how your feet function, evaluate symptoms, and use diagnostic tools like X-rays or ultrasounds to understand the source of discomfort. Podiatrists also play an important role in long-term health. They provide custom orthotics for support, monitor diabetic foot concerns, treat wounds, and guide patients through recovery after surgery or injury. Education is a major part of their work, helping people make better choices about footwear, activity levels, and overall foot health. When foot or ankle pain interferes with daily life or keeps returning, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and appropriate treatment.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to 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 a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
Use innovative methods to treat conditions
Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
Correct walking patterns and balance
Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

Athlete’s Foot and Podiatric Care

Tuesday, 09 December 2025

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection and the most widespread form of dermatophytosis affecting the feet. It develops when fungi grow on the skin, often in warm and moist environments. Excessive foot sweating can easily facilitate fungal growth, making the condition more likely to appear between the toes or on the soles. Symptoms include itching, burning, peeling skin, redness, and an unpleasant odor. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, recommend effective treatments, address moisture issues, and provide guidance to prevent the infection from returning. If you are noticing irritation or persistent changes in your skin, it is suggested that you seek professional podiatric care to begin effective treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Milos Tomich, DPM from Dr. Tomich Foot & Ankle Health Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

Thoroughly washing and drying feet
Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
Using shower shoes in public showers
Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

Redness
Burning
Itching
Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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