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Podiatrist - Cromwell
162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416

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By Adam Mucinskas, DPM
October 14, 2019

It’s officially boot season! At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we want to help our patients avoid podiatric pain and problems by giving some tips on how to find boots that are not only fashionable but good for your feet.

Below is a checklist of features to look for:

  • Roomy toe box—boots that are pointy and narrow squish toes together and increase the risk and severity of conditions like bunions and hammertoes. If your toes are squeezed up against each other for long hours, you are also more likely to develop ingrown toenails.
  • Good arch support—oftentimes, we see patients in our Cromwell office complaining of heel pain during the winter months. The cause turns out to be fashion boots that have little or no arch support. Proper arch support keeps your plantar fascia—the long band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot—happy, which in turn reduces pressure and pain in both your arch and your heel.
  • Cushioned insoles and heel cups—think of how many steps you take each day. The constant pounding of your feet against the ground can result in foot pain and tendon inflammation. Thick cushioning in the inside of your boots will act as a shock absorber, protecting your feet and increasing comfort.
  • Ankle protection—when conditions get slippery, ankle sprain risk skyrockets. Be sure your boots fit your ankles securely and avoid thin, high heels that are unstable by design. Look for a gripping tread on the boot as well to further reduce your risk of trips and falls.

Once you’ve found a boot that meets the above qualifications, get a proper fit. Have your foot professionally measured. If our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas has prescribed a custom orthotic device for you to wear, be sure to bring it with you and try it on with the boots you are considering. Shop at the end of the day—it’s when your feet are at their largest and most swollen.

If you have additional questions about shoe styles that are best for your feet, contact us by calling: (860) 632-5499.

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By Adam Mucinskas, DPM
October 09, 2019
Category: foot health
Tags: Lisfranc injuries   joint   ligament  

Injuries to the Lisfranc joint or ligament are less common than other sports injuries. But now at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we find more patients are looking for information about this condition, probably thanks to quarterback Cam Newton of the Caroline Panthers. Earlier this season Newton was sidelined with a Lisfranc injury. Athletes who play contact sports like football are at a higher risk for Lisfranc injuries as are runners and horseback riders. This injury is also often seen in car accident victims.

Where Is the Lisfranc?

The Lisfranc joint is located in the middle of your foot where the arch bones are connected to the metatarsal bones (the long bones that go your toes). The Lisfranc ligament joins two of the joint bones together.

There are three types of Lisfranc injuries that can occur singly or in combination. These are:

  1. Fracture—one or more of the bones in the Lisfranc joint can break or a small piece of a bone may be pulled off. This is known as an avulsion fracture.
  2. Sprain—a twisting injury is usually the cause of a sprain which is an overstretching of the Lisfranc ligament. Since the Lisfranc and other ligaments on the bottom of the midfoot are stronger than the ones on top, a sprain can leave the joint unstable.
  3. Dislocation—a trauma or wrenching motion can force the joint out of its normal position.

What Are the Signs of an Injury?

Lisfranc injuries are sometimes mistaken for ankle sprains and that’s because there is some commonality of symptoms. When there is a Lisfranc injury, a patient may experience one or more of the following:

  • Pain in the midfoot when pressure is applied and when standing—in the case of a severe injury, you may not be able to bear weight on the hurt foot.
  • Blistering or bruising on the arch of the foot can be a distinguishing characteristic of a Lisfranc injury. There may also be blistering or bruising on the top of the midfoot.
  • Swelling.
  • Widening of the foot.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential that you contact our Cromwell office by calling (860) 632-5499 so that our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas can examine the injured foot and make the appropriate diagnosis. While you wait for your appointment, stay off the hurt foot and ice the affected area to reduce swelling and pain.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
October 02, 2019
Category: arthritis

During the month of October, we recognize World Arthritis Day. Here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we want patients to realize that arthritis isn’t inevitable and there are steps you can take to reduce symptoms.

There are several misconceptions patients have about arthritis. The first is that arthritis is a single disease. It is actually an umbrella term that includes more than 100 disorders that affect the joints. Another misconception is that arthritis is a natural part of getting older that just has to be accepted. That couldn’t be further from the truth! Although osteoarthritis, the most common type, occurs as joints and cartilage wear down, your lifestyle choices can play a key role in determining whether you develop arthritis and its severity. Some ways to reduce your risk and your symptoms include:

  • Eating a healthy diet. Being overweight dramatically increases your risk of developing arthritis, especially in your feet and ankles. There are 33 joints in your feet, and they carry the weight of your entire body. Excess weight means excess strain and pressure on those joints. You can also help your bones and joints by ensuring you get enough calcium and vitamin D and avoiding fried foods and those high in sugar as these are known to cause joint inflammation.
  • Stay active. Regular exercise, particularly weight-bearing activities like walking, increase joint strength and help you maintain flexibility and full range of motion. You’ll also burn calories which will help keep your weight in check.
  • Be safe. Arthritis often sets in at the site of an old injury. Don’t take unnecessary chances. Practice ladder safety, drive carefully and take precautions to avoid sports injuries to reduce your chances of developing arthritis as you age.

Take Early Action

Recognize the symptoms of arthritis:

  • Joint stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning
  • Pain or tenderness in a joint
  • Limited range of motion
  • Swelling
  • Skin changes such as redness, warmth, rashes or growths

If experience any of these, don’t delay. Make an appointment at our Cromwell office by calling: (860) 632-5499. Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, will examine your feet and ankles and determine the source of your joint discomfort. Treatment in the early stages of many types of arthritis can significantly slow its progression and increase your mobility.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
September 25, 2019
Category: foot safety

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know many of our young patients are enjoying fall sports. There are many benefits to sports including learning how to be part of a team and getting regular physical activity. It can also be a cause of several foot and ankle problems, however. Below are six tips for ensuring that your child enjoys a safe sports season.

  1. Start the season with new shoes. Each sport requires specific movements of the feet. Today’s shoes are designed to protect feet and maximize performance. Get sports shoes that are made for the sport your child is doing and get them professionally fitted.
  2. Sock choice matters. Choose socks that provide some degree of cushioning and that also wick moisture away from the skin. Sweaty, damp feet are more likely to develop fungal infections. Be sure to bring the socks you plan to use to the shoe store and try on with the sports shoes you are buying.
  3. Insist on safe surfaces. Fields with divots and holes and tracks or courts with cracks in the asphalt are all risks to the health and safety of your child. If playing areas need attention, bring it up with the school or town to prevent ankle sprains and other injuries.
  4. Avoid athlete’s foot in the locker room. Make sure your child has a pair of flip flops or shower shoes to wear in the gym shower. Remind them not to share towels or soap either.
  5. Give it a rest. When children play a sport in every season and do not allow developing bones, muscles and ligaments a break, overuse injuries such as Sever’s disease are more likely to occur.
  6. Get pain checked out promptly. If your child sustains an injury on the field or complains of ongoing pain after practices, be sure to make an appointment at our Cromwell office. Our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas can examine your child’s feet and ankles and determine the best course of treatment.
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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
September 18, 2019
Category: pregnancy

Although pregnancy is a happy time, at Feet First Foot Care Specialists we know that your feet may not be rejoicing! They will have to carry a lot more weight than normal as your pregnancy progresses and this can lead to foot and ankle problems you don’t normally experience. Fortunately, most foot discomfort can be avoided or at least significantly reduced by following some simple suggestions.

Checkup on Podiatric Conditions

Start by making an appointment at our Cromwell office so that our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas can examine your feet and ankles and check on any chronic podiatric issues you may have such as bunions, flat feet or plantar fasciitis—all of which can be exacerbated by pregnancy. The foot doctor will monitor your condition during pregnancy and can suggest helpful ways to relieve discomfort and prevent existing conditions from worsening.

Buy Some New Shoes

Your footwear choices during pregnancy may need to be adjusted. As your abdomen grows, your center of gravity will change. Low, wide heels will provide the best stability. Don’t go with flats, however, as the excess weight will also put pressure on the arches of your feet, requiring more support to avoid arch and heel pain. In the last trimester of your pregnancy you may begin to notice that your shoes feel tight. This can be the result of hormones which your body releases to relax ligaments in preparation for birth. These hormones can cause your feet to spread, necessitating bigger or wider shoes. For some women, an increase of about half a size in shoes may be permanent.

Put Your Feet Up

You may find especially in the later phases of your pregnancy that your feet hurt more. Elevating feet periodically throughout the day and at the end of the day can help them feel better. Putting your feet up can also help reduce swelling of the feet and ankles—another common symptom of pregnancy.

If you are experiencing discomfort or unusual foot or ankle problems while pregnant, don’t hesitate to contact us by calling: (860) 632-5499.

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162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416