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

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Posts for category: foot pain, ankle pain

By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
June 11, 2019

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC, we often hear from our patients that they didn’t know if their foot condition was really anything serious, and so they weren’t sure if they should “bother us” for an appointment. Unfortunately, by the time we hear this, the problem has usually progressed to a severe stage which now requires longer and possibly more invasive treatment. Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, would much rather you come into our Cromwell office and find out there’s nothing wrong instead of waiting until you are in excruciating pain or having other difficulty walking.

Questions to Help You Decide

If you’re still undecided about whether or not to call us, below are some questions to ask yourself:

  1. Does it hurt? Pain is your body’s way of sending you a message that something is wrong. Often patients make the mistake of thinking that unless it’s severe and constant pain, it can’t be anything serious. Stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis and heel pain are three of many common conditions that may start out with just intermittent pain or discomfort when exercising or doing particular activities. If these conditions are diagnosed early, the foot doctor can prescribe treatment and/or preventive measures to keep the problem from becoming seriously disabling.
  2. Did it look like that before? We recommend that patients get in the habit of regularly inspecting their feet to look for changes that can signal a problem. Rashes, bumps, bruises, growths and changes in the skin or toenails can all be the beginning of a podiatric disorder. If you have diabetes, it’s particularly important that you contact us as soon as you notice anything out of the ordinary, since even minor foot problems like athlete’s foot and blisters can rapidly turn into serious health problems.
  3. Do you feel something different? Does your foot feel numb? Or, maybe you are noticing a tingling or burning sensation in your feet. These can be a sign of neuropathy or another nerve issue.
  4. Is it infected? A wound that begins to feel warm, has red streaks around it or is showing any discharge or pus may be infected. If you notice any of these symptoms, particularly if you also have a fever, contact us immediately by calling: (860) 632-5499.
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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
June 27, 2018
Tags: diabetes   orthotics   stretching  

Have you been struggling with seemingly random cramps in your feet? They happen at different times of the day during different activities, so you can’t quite figure out what’s causing them! It’s frustrating and painful: they happen right when you wake up, or when you’re working out, or just strolling down the street – what is causing these painful foot cramps!?

Unfortunately, there isn’t just one specific cause of cramps in your feet; there are numerous things that can cause your feet to cramp up. Here are a few of the things that could be causing the cramps:

  • Dehydration – If you haven’t had enough water to drink for the day, you could suffer cramps. It’s especially important to stay hydrated when you know you’re going to be sweating. Hard workouts, hot days, etc., can all add to dehydration. Balance any potentially dehydrating drinks, such as coffee, with a cup of water.
  • Electrolytes –  Foot cramps can be a sign of low electrolytes. Electrolyte-enhanced water, coconut water, and potassium-rich snacks like bananas all contain a good amount of electrolytes. Try munching a banana next time your foot cramps up!
  • Overworking your feet – Anyone can suffer a foot cramp. If you’re reeling from a hard workout, or if you’re on your feet all day, it can only take one slight movement from an exhausted foot to push it too far and into a cramp. Stretching before a workout, or when you know you’re going to be on your feet for long periods of time, can help keep your muscles limber.
  • Poor circulation – If your feet cramp when you walk, it could indicate diabetes or neuropathy issues, which can cause poor circulation. Poor circulation can cut the proper nutrients off from your extremities and make your feet cramp. Comfortable shoes for your lifestyle can help with these types of cramps. Custom orthotics are also available in these instances.

Here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, Dr. Adam Mucinskas can help you decide what is causing any foot cramps and assist with relief moving forward. We feature innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technologies at our conveniently located office in the Cromwell, Connecticut area. Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment at (860) 632-5499.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
January 11, 2018

Achilles tendonitis can bring pain and discomfort. Our podiatrist, Adam Mucinskas, D.P.M., can help to treat this condition at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC, located in Cromwell, CT, where we can be reached at (860) 632-5499. Our Patient Education section also has helpful information about foot and ankle conditions.

Achilles tendonitis can bring severe pain. This happens since the Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. This condition produces severe pain since the affected tendon is located behind the heel. If the tendon happens to tear, surgery will likely be required. If it ruptures, a pop sound will accompany it, followed by sharp pain in the back of the ankle. This will likely affect mobility. Although this condition more often happens to athletes because of the high intensity activities that they participate in and the stress it causes on their Achilles tendon, it can also occur to others for any number of activities.

Activities that usually strain the tendon can produce this condition. Inflammation initially occurs as the tendon becomes stressed. The following symptoms can also accompany this condition:

  • Sharp pain in the calf.
  • Inflammation in the heel.
  • An inability to put weight on the toes.

 

Methods of treatment include anti-inflammatories, exercising by stretching the calf and ice therapy to decrease inflammation. Cortisone, an anti-inflammatory also known as a steroid, can help; although, it is not prescribed often since it can unfortunately cause the tendon to rupture. Orthotics and cushioned shoes are also used to decrease irritation and strain on the tendon. Heel lifts are used to move the heel away from the back of the shoe to prevent it from rubbing against it. For severe pain, a walking boot may be used for a short time until physical therapy starts. It should, however, not be used for a long period of time as it can weaken the calf muscle.

Achilles tendonitis can produce significant pain in a variety of individuals. To avoid dealing with long recovery times, timely treatment is required. So, contact us today for treatment and get back to your activities sooner rather than later!

 

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162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416