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

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November 30, 2021
Category: Foot Care

Here in Middlesex County, hunting season is upon us. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know that many hunters do not associate this activity with risk to the health and safety of their feet. Take the necessary precautions to protect your feet this hunting season.

 

Don’t try to defy gravity. Guess what the most significant cause of hunting accidents is? Surprise: it’s not firearms; it’s falling. According to the International Hunters Education Association, 6,000 hunters sustain injuries from falling out of elevated tree stands compared to fewer than 1,000 from guns. Among the more common injuries are fractures of bones in heels, feet, and legs. 75 to 80% of these falls happen as hunters ascend or descend a tree. There are a wide variety of harnesses available to prevent falls.

 

Fight fungal infections. Fungi that cause athlete’s foot and fungal toenails love dark, moist places—like the insides of your boots. It’s a good idea to apply an anti-fungal powder to your feet before putting your socks on. If you wear two pairs of socks, make sure the one closest to your skin is a synthetic material that wicks moisture away from the skin. Keep a spare pair of socks in your pack and swap them out if you notice your feet feel sweaty.

 

Watch where you’re walking. Another common cause of ankle sprains, foot, and other injuries is tripping or falling over sticks, roots, rocks, or other natural materials. Be aware of what’s in your path and be particularly cautious if there is snow, mud, or ice on the ground.

Be sure to let someone know where you are hunting and what time you plan to be back, just in case an injury occurs when you are out of cell phone range. If you do have a foot or ankle injury while hunting, don’t delay in seeking medical attention. Make an appointment at our Cromwell office by calling 860-632-5499. Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, will conduct a complete examination of your feet and ankles and order any x-rays or other imaging studies to determine the full extent of an injury and proper treatment.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
November 22, 2021
Category: Foot Care

It’s that time of the year. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know our Middlesex County patients will be pausing this week to count their blessings.

We want to be sure to include your feet on that list! Here are a few reminders about how incredible your feet are:

  • Feet enable the average person to walk three to five miles every day. In fact, throughout a typical lifetime, a person will walk approximately 115,000 miles or the equivalent of circling the globe four times.
  • Your feet carry the weight of your entire body. When you run, they absorb the pressure of four times your body weight. In fact, in just a single day of walking and performing daily tasks, feet withstand several tons of pressure equal to the amount of a fully loaded cement truck.
  • Feet are sensitive—they contain more nerve endings per square centimeter than any other part of your body.
  • Your feet can warn you about problems going on in other parts of your body. Several disorders may first manifest in your feet, including arthritis, heart disease, kidney failure, hypertension, and diabetes.

Show Your Gratitude

So, how can you express your thanks to these two wonderful parts of your body? Here are a few ideas:

  • Feast in moderation—enjoy your favorite holiday foods in smaller portions and keep up with your exercise regimen. Your feet will appreciate not having additional pounds to carry.
  • Make smart shoe choices—you’ll be on your feet more than ever during the holiday season. Choose footwear that is supportive and fits properly. Look for styles with gripping treads for shopping and errand days to reduce slips, spills, and ankle sprains.
  • Listen to your feet—if they tell you they are hurting, put them up for a while and take a break. If that doesn’t do the trick, make an appointment at our Cromwell office by calling 860-632-5499. Let our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas examine your feet and treat any foot problems before they become disabling.

We wish all of our patients and their families a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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November 16, 2021
Category: Foot Care

Did you know your feet can reveal disorders in other parts of your body? At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we want to alert our Middlesex County patients to listen to what their feet may be trying to say. Usually, patients pay attention to uncomfortable symptoms in their feet, such as pain or stiffness. However, minor symptoms, particularly those that don't cause any serious disability, may be ignored for a long time. It is a mistake. Minor symptoms, if they are persistent, may be a sign of a more significant health problem.

Suppose you've noticed any of the conditions below, or any other unusual changes, it's important you promptly bring them to your podiatrist's attention:

  • Yellow or White Toenails—changes in nail color are easy to ignore, especially during the winter months when feet are covered most of the time. Although the most common cause of yellowing toenails is a fungal infection, there are other more serious potential reasons for the change. These include lung problems, rheumatoid arthritis, and lymphedema. Entirely white toenails may be a sign of congestive heart failure, liver, or kidney disease.
  • Clubbed Toes—this atypical toe shape can be just an inherited trait not linked to any other condition. It can, however, also indicate several serious disorders. The most common is a lung disease, and other possibilities are an infection, heart disease, liver problem, or a digestive disorder.
  • Numbness—you might be tempted to chalk up loss of feeling, pins, needles, burning, and other strange sensations in your feet to them "falling asleep," but if this happens consistently, it's more likely pointing to nerve damage. It can be an indicator of diabetes or a circulation problem.
  • Dragging Your Feet—if you find you are occasionally dragging one foot or notice that your gait has become wider or different in some other way, it may be the first sign of neuropathy. Neuropathy can be caused by diabetes, alcoholism, infection, or even a vitamin deficiency. In some instances, changes in the way you walk may also be the sign of a systemic disease that causes a brain/body disconnect, such as Parkinson's Disease.

Don’t let minor symptoms go unchecked. Contact our Cromwell office by calling 860-632-5499 to make an appointment for an examination with Dr. Adam Mucinskas.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
November 08, 2021
Category: Foot Care

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know fall is a great time to go for a hike on one of the many beautiful trails in Middlesex County. The cooler weather, the gorgeous leaves, and everyone is looking to enjoy some fresh air before the frosty winter temperature set in. It’s also a great way to get some exercise, which is very beneficial for your feet, as you’ve heard us say before.

 

However, to maximize the benefits and minimize any potential harm to your feet, there are a few tips you should follow:

 

  • Do: Make sure you have the right shoes. Hiking shoes are different from regular sneakers, and they usually have a deeper cut-out tread designed to grip the trail and help reduce the risk of losing your footing on loose stones, natural materials, and steep slopes. They may also provide ankle support to help prevent sprains if you choose a high-top style. Sturdy material protects your feet from tree roots and toe-stubbing on rocks.

 

  • Don’t:  Try out brand new hiking shoes on the trail. It’s helpful to wear them around at home for a few hours to break them in and ensure they don’t rub or hurt anywhere. Discovering halfway through a trail that your boots hurt makes for a very unpleasant hike!

 

  • Do: Choose socks that will wick sweat away from your feet. If your feet get sweaty, you have a greater risk for developing a blister—plus, they’ll feel damp and cold. Bring an extra pair in your pack to change into if you notice your socks feel damp.

 

  • Do: Pack some moleskin in your backpack to prevent a blister from forming if you start to feel a sore spot on your feet. It’s also a good idea to bring an elastic bandage and a small first aid kit with bandages, tweezers, and antibacterial ointment just in case.

 

  • Don’t: Neglect to check the trail map for the route you want to take to make sure the hike you’ve chosen matches up with your fitness level and stamina. Consider the length of your hike and the elevation change (i.e., how steep a climb you will have).

 

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November 01, 2021
Category: Diabetic Foot Care

We at Feet First Foot Care Specialists would like to share some startling statistics with our Middlesex County patients about diabetes. Over 34 million adults in the U.S. currently have diabetes. Even more staggering, the most recent statistics show that 88 million have prediabetes, with 1.5 million new cases of diabetes diagnosed each year. November is American Diabetes Month and a good time to find out how to turn that tide for yourself and your loved ones against this disease that hurts your feet and the rest of your body.

Reducing Risk Factors for Diabetes

When it comes to diabetes, some factors raise your risk that you cannot control, but many that you can. Consider the ones listed below and start making healthier lifestyle choices today.

Smoking—Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your body. It impedes circulation, slows healing, and raises your bad cholesterol and blood pressure, all of which are associated with diabetes. Quitting is hard! Some tips:

  • Focus on all the benefits you’ll get from stopping smoking. Write them down and be as specific as possible (i.e., my clothes and furniture will no longer smell, and I’ll be able to run after my grandchildren without getting out of breath).
  • Set a date to quit.
  • Enlist the help and support of friends and family.
  • Talk to your doctor and choose a program. There is a wide range of options, from cold turkey to using a nicotine patch to hypnosis. Find what works for you.

Overweight—Carrying excess weight increases your chances of getting diabetes and having a heart attack or stroke. Small changes can result in considerable weight loss, and even 10-15 pounds can significantly decrease your risk. Try:

  • Increase the number of healthy foods you eat, such as vegetables, fruits, salads, whole-grain bread, and starches. It will help you feel less hungry and naturally decrease your caloric intake.
  • Strive to be more active. Get a pedometer or step counter and set a minimum goal for each day.
  • Make healthy swaps—just pick one: seltzer for sugary soda, low-fat dairy for full fat, frozen yogurt for ice cream.
  • Stay accountable—weigh yourself at least once a week.

High Blood Pressure—Two out of three people with diabetes also report having high blood pressure. Manage high blood pressure by:

  • Reducing your sodium intake.
  • Limiting alcohol consumption.
  • Learning new ways to manage stress—choose one that’s a physical activity, and it will also help you maintain a healthy weight (another way to reduce blood pressure).

If you are concerned with your risk of developing diabetes, contact our Cromwell office at 860-632-5499  and talk to our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas.

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162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416