Feet typically swell up because of fluid retention. Fluid retention in the feet can be an absolutely innocuous thing caused by everyday activities, like being on your feet all day, or it can be a sign of something else. There are a wide variety of issues, illnesses, and injuries that can make your feet swell up. Some of them require you to see your podiatrist as soon as possible.

Some reasons your feet might be swelling:

• Sprains. Even barring noticeable pain or discomfort, a sprain or other injury can cause your feet or ankle to swell up. Even just a slight twist can cause swelling if it happens in just the right place. If it continues, contact your foot doctor.
• Being overweight. Excess pounds can put pressure on your feet and cause them to swell. A medical professional or a nutritionist can help you find a path to losing weight.
• Low blood flow. Blood vessel or artery problems can make it tough for fluid to leave your feet. This is especially common if you smoke or regularly drink alcohol. Your doctor can help you quit smoking when you’re ready.
• Organ disease. Diseases of your kidneys, liver, heart, or lungs can all make your feet and ankles swell, as well as other parts of your body.
• Medical side effects. Certain antidepressants, steroids, blood pressure medications, or hormone replacement therapies can cause swelling. Always check with your doctor if you’re experiencing side effects from medication.
• Diet. Sometimes diets high in salt can cause fluid to pool in the feet. Ensure you’re eating a good balance of foods for your age and lifestyle.

If you experience swelling in your feet and ankles, especially if coupled with headaches or other pains, it might a sign of a serious issue. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we can help assess and treat any issues causing swelling. Dr. Adam Mucinskas stays abreast of the latest technologies and treatments in podiatric medicine. To schedule an appointment at our convenient Cromwell Connecticut office, request one online or call us today at 860-632-5499.

Bunions are a very common bone deformity of the joint on the outside of your big toe. It is estimated that 33 percent of the Western population suffers from bunions. When your toe moves out of place, the joint enlarges, causing the toe to protrude inward. This protrusion often interferes with your other toes, causing issues such as hammertoe or Hallux Valgus. Not only can bunions lead to these other issues, but they themselves can be very painful if left untreated. Here are some common causes of bunions:

1. Ill-fitting shoes. Shoes that are too tight are the number one cause of bunions. High heels are also a culprit in causing bunions, as they often change the natural shape of the feet and squish together the toes.
2. Your family line. Bunions are not hereditary themselves, but the build of your feet is. If you know that your parents suffer from bunions, you should take precautions to avoid getting them yourself.
3. Foot injuries. Jamming your toe out of place, acutely or repeatedly over time, can contribute to the formation of a bunion.
4. Arthritis. Arthritis can set in in your toe joints, which can accelerate the potential to form a bunion. If you have arthritis, watch out for early signs of bunions.

Bunions are deformities in the bone which cannot resolve themselves and need medical treatment. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we work to treat bunions twofold: relieve the pressure and pain, and stop the growth. If you’re looking for relief from your painful bunion, or if you are noticing the first signs of one, schedule an appointment today. Dr. Adam Mucinskas is board certified and keeps up with all the latest trends in podiatry and foot health. 

Does your wife make a face every time you slip your shoes off after exercising? Can you smell your teenager’s shoes from across the hall even from behind a closet door? Foot odor is a common issue that has many causes and, thankfully, many solid solutions. Here are some common causes and fixes for foot odor:

Sweaty feet. Your feet have an astounding 250,000 sweat glands. Sweat causes odor by mixing with naturally occurring bacteria on your skin and in your shoes.

Suffocated feet. Hard nylon or plastic shoes can contain the sweat and bacteria inside, causing a nasty aroma blast when you remove them at the end of the day. Try some air-circulating materials like canvas or mesh.

The perpetual sock-wearer. Never wear your socks more than one day without washing them. Mix up the shoes you wear too, changing every few days at least. If your feet sweat a lot, change your socks once or twice during the day.

Wicking socks. Speaking of socks, make sure yours are the right material. Wicking socks, typically made from synthetic blends or from acrylic fibers, can get rid of the sweat from your 250,000 sweat glands. Thick cotton or wool socks are great for the winter but can trap in moisture and cause your feet to stink.

Not wearing socks. If you’re wearing a closed-toe shoe, socks are a must. They help absorb the sweat that would just be swimming around in a shoe.

Wash your feet. Rinse your feet well, ensuring you clean the soles and between the toes. After bathing, make sure you dry all areas well.

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we’re not afraid of a little foot odor! If you feel like you’ve tried everything and you can’t get rid of the smell, it might be time to give us a call. Dr. Adam Mucinskas can see you at our conveniently located office in Cromwell, Connecticut area.

Our podiatrist Adam Mucinskas, D.P.M. can treat athlete’s foot at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC, located in Cromwell, CT. Please call our offices at (860) 632-5499 or visit the Patient Education section of our website to find out more about this condition.

Athlete’s foot is very common and is caused by a fungal organism that infects the skin of the foot. This condition is also referred to as Tinea Pedis. One reason this condition occurs so easily is because fungi succeed on the body in warm, damp and shady areas that are covered like the feet. This condition is highly contagious and is spread from one person to another, surfaces contaminated with the fungi or by walking barefoot in gym locker rooms, pools and showers.

This fungus, if left untreated, can spread from the feet to nails or other areas of the body. With athlete’s foot, the foot may experience itching, burning or a red color.                           

Treatments for this condition include antifungal creams, keeping feet dry, changing socks daily, disinfecting shoes, wearing cotton socks, using sandals in locker room showers or pools and disinfecting showers. The reduction of moisture to the feet is very helpful in stopping this condition from coming back once it has infected the foot. The use of shoes that are open-toed can help the foot get air to combat this infection, especially in hot weather. The areas between toes must also be kept dry after they become wet as fungi also breed in the moisture between them. Yet, this condition usually reoccurs and oral antifungal medications may be required for a more effective and lasting treatment.

Athlete’s foot can be contracted easily, but it may be a real pain trying to contain and cure it. The longer this condition goes without treatment, the worse the potential complications and pain will be. Therefore, please contact our office today so that we may be able to help eradicate this fungal infection from your feet and provide you with the information necessary to decrease your chances of ever having to experience this condition again.

Heel pain can seriously impact your daily routine. In particular, plantar fascia (the ligament connecting your heel bone to your toes) is usually the cause of heel pain when it gets weak or strained. If left untreated, it can tear and get seriously painful. Thankfully our podiatrist, Adam Mucinskas, D.P.M., can alleviate this chronic heal pain if you happen to be experiencing it. You can visit Dr. Mucinskas at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC, located in Cromwell, CT.     

With each step, the plantar fascia and other foot muscles work to assist with forces on the arch. Plantar Fascitis occurs when there is frequent stretching in this area causing inflammation at the base of the heel. Stretching, rest and shoe inserts can help alleviate the pain, but those who routinely stand all day for work end up with significant injuries because of the damage done to the heel. Stretching is by far the preeminent treatment for plantar fasciitis as it can help to alleviate weight off your foot until the original swelling dissipates. You can try applying ice to the swollen area for 30 minutes four times a day to reduce your symptoms. Prescriptions for anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen may also be called for; yet, exercises to stretch the plantar fascia are still the best of treatments.

In particular, the following exercises can significantly help to reduce heel pain:

• Stretching toes
• Stretching the calf
• Towel curls

As you can see, heel pain left undiagnosed can lead to severe foot injuries, especially for those who stand all day on their feet. Dr. Mucinskas has unique experience in this area. If you are experiencing chronic heel pain, please contact us online to make an appointment as soon as possible. Take the opportunity to get the very best treatment offered by Dr. Mucinskas today.