Turf toe is a sports injury that often affects football players who play on artificial turf. Other athletes who compete on hard surfaces, such as ballet dancers, basketball players, and wrestlers, can also develop turf toe. Turf toe occurs when the big toe is bent (or hyper-extended) too much toward the top of the foot. Turf toe is generally accompanied by tenderness, swelling, immobility and stiffness in the big toe joint, but the most common sign is pain while bending the toe. The pain in the big toe can gradually increase over time if the toe is hyper-extended repeatedly. Athletes, or any patient, struggling to walk due to pain in their big toe should consult with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis of the condition and a correct course of treatment. 

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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 and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, is a painful condition that can be made better by wearing orthotic insoles. There are several different types of orthotics on the market. Soft orthotics are made of soft materials, such as foam. They are flexible and offer support and cushioning for the foot. Hard orthotics are made of plastic, carbon fiber, or other rigid materials. They are designed to reduce strain on the lower limbs and provide more control over the feet. To figure out which type of orthotics is best for you, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.  

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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 Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints, including those on the feet. It typically affects people who have a skin condition called psoriasis. When PsA affects the feet, it produces symptoms such as painful toe swelling, joint stiffness, pain in the heels and soles of your feet, and dented or crumbling toenails. The condition has a pattern of flaring up and then subsiding. Your podiatrist can be an important part of your healthcare team when it comes to dealing with PsA in the feet. A podiatrist can help you find comfortable shoes and orthotics, maintain your mobility, and relieve symptoms during a flare up. To learn more, speak to a podiatrist today. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is a bony foot deformity found along the outside of the big toe, at the base of the big toe joint. Besides the characteristic bony bump, bunions are also recognized by the way that they push the big toe so that it is pointing towards the smaller toes instead of straight out. Bunions can range from mildly unpleasant to very painful, with symptoms such as redness, swelling, and calluses on the big toe. If left untreated, bunions tend to progressively worsen. Over time, they may lead to arthritis forming in the big toe joint. Bunions can also push your other toes out of alignment. If you have bunions that are bothering you, don’t hesitate to reach out to a podiatrist near you. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

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 one of our offices located in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Podiatrists can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and associated areas of the lower legs. Many podiatrists have a variety of specialties including, but not limited to, the treatment of diabetic foot conditions and wounds, sports medicine, pediatrics, ankle injuries, and bunion or hammertoe correction. To become a podiatrist, normally education starts with an undergraduate degree in biology, chemistry or physics, typically. To enter medical school, students must pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). After four years of medical school, they will graduate with a DPM (Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine) from an accredited college. Podiatrists must then complete a minimum of three years in a podiatric medicine and surgery residency (PMSR) program. These residencies are in hospitals or medical centers which provide the podiatrist with hands-on experience in medical and surgical treatments and procedures. Podiatrists can also embark on additional training in specific fellowship areas.

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.

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 and ankle needs.