Blog

How To Best Protect Your Child’s Developing Feet

Tuesday, 26 August 2025

The bones in your child’s feet will develop from the cartilage they were born with to ossified bones that are fully developed around 18 years of age. For the first few months of their lives, babies’ feet are quite delicate. That is why the type of footwear you choose for your child is very important. Make sure footwear and socks are never tight. While your child’s feet are developing, the nerve endings in their feet are developing too and may not be able to signal if their feet are being squeezed or compressed. Since no two feet are the same, avoid hand-me-down shoes that may not be right for your child’s feet. Keep their toenails trimmed straight across without curving them or cutting them so short that it puts them at risk of developing an ingrown toenail. For expert guidance on nurturing your child's feet, consulting a podiatrist can offer valuable insights tailored to their growth stage and needs.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Milos Tomich, DPM of Dr. Tomich Foot & Ankle Health Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

Managing Gout

Tuesday, 19 August 2025

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, leading to sharp crystals forming in the joints, most commonly in the big toe. This condition often results from diets high in purines, which are found in red meat, shellfish, alcohol, and sugary drinks. Symptoms include sudden, intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint, which may feel tender even to a light touch. Attacks can come on quickly, often at night, and can last for days or weeks. The affected area may appear shiny or purplish, and feel stiff or hot. A podiatrist can help diagnose gout through physical examination, blood tests, and imaging to detect joint inflammation or uric acid crystals. Managing gout often requires changes in diet and lifestyle, along with medications to reduce uric acid levels and inflammation. This type of doctor can offer guidance on foot care, proper footwear, and prevention strategies. If you are dealing with painful gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this uncomfortable condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Milos Tomich, DPM from Dr. Tomich Foot & Ankle Health Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Tuesday, 19 August 2025

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

What Causes Hammertoe?

Tuesday, 12 August 2025

Hammertoe occurs when one of the small toes becomes bent at the middle joint, causing it to point downward instead of lying flat. This deformity often begins as a mild imbalance and becomes more rigid over time. It can be painful and make wearing shoes difficult. The most common cause is an imbalance in the muscles and tendons that support the toe. Wearing tight or narrow shoes, especially those with high heels, can force the toes into an unnatural position. Over time, this leads to the joint stiffening in that shape. Other causes include foot structure inherited from family, past injuries, and certain conditions such as arthritis or nerve damage. Early recognition is important to prevent the deformity from worsening. If you notice changes in the shape of a toe or experience pain or corns, an evaluation by a podiatrist is suggested.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Milos Tomich, DPM of Dr. Tomich Foot & Ankle Health Center. 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.

Pain in the Arch of the Foot

Tuesday, 05 August 2025

Foot arch pain can arise from several causes, including plantar fasciitis, foot cramps, and overuse injuries. Flat feet and nerve compression are other causes. Symptoms include a dull ache or sharp, stabbing pain in the arch, especially with the first steps in the morning, or after long periods of standing. Some people also experience tingling sensations, visible inflammation, or tightness that radiates into the heel or toes. Chronic arch pain may lead to compensatory walking patterns, triggering pain in the ankles, knees, or lower back. A podiatrist can perform a comprehensive evaluation to pinpoint the cause of your arch pain. They offer custom orthotics to support the arch structure, targeted stretches, footwear guidance, and, if necessary, advanced treatments like injections. Early intervention can prevent long-term damage and restore foot function. If you have pain in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

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.

Blog

Blog Archives