(860) 632-5499
Podiatrist - Cromwell
162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416
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At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know parents throughout Middlesex County (and maybe this year children too!) are beginning to sing, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year,” as the new school year approaches. Getting new school shoes is a tradition and an essential component of good podiatric health for your child.
False—Your feet swell as the day goes on. Therefore, the ideal time to head to the shoe store is late afternoon or evening. Otherwise, you may end up with a pair of shoes that your child says feels too tight after their first full day of school.
True—While shoes can’t usually correct a foot condition or biomechanical abnormality, they can make it worse or more painful. If your child overpronates or suffers from heel pain or another disorder, schedule a checkup with our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas. The foot doctor will examine your child’s feet and recommend shoes that best accommodate their unique feet.
True—There should be about a thumb’s width of space between your child’s longest toe and the front of the shoe. Get both of your child’s feet professionally measured. If one foot is larger than the other (very common), buy to fit the larger foot. Heel counters should be firm, and the foot should not slip out the back of the shoe.
False—If your child is a serious athlete with weekly practices and games, it’s better to buy a shoe designed specifically to support the foot for the movement their sport requires.
False—Function should take precedence over form, no matter how much children beg or whine. Avoid shoes made from plastic, vinyl, or other non-breathable material. Don’t buy high-heeled footwear or entirely flat shoes for daily wear as they will cause foot problems.
If you have further questions about shoes for your children, please call our Cromwell office at 860-632-5499.
As the year draws to a close, there are many customs worldwide for saying goodbye to the old before ushering in the new. In Japan, the ringing of 108 bells dispels evil desires in people and cleanse the old year of sins. In Denmark, friends and neighbors throw plates at each other’s doors, symbolizing leaving behind all ill will. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we think our Middlesex County patients should consider an end-of-year ritual to benefit their feet: cleaning out the shoe closet.
Have shoes surpassed their expected lifespan? Stretched out heel counters, flattened arch supports, holes or rips in the toe box, worn soles—these are all signs it’s time to replace a pair of shoes. Continuing to wear shoes with these types of issues can seriously harm your feet. Arch and heel pain, for example, commonly develop if arch support is lacking. It’s easy to trip and sustain a sprain or fracture if shoes are too loose on the feet.
Is the style harmful to your feet? Okay, they may look amazing, but those high, spiky heels with pointy toes pose a significant threat to your podiatric health. These types of shoes force feet forward and squeeze toes together. It can speed the development of bunions, hammertoes, and other toe deformities. It also increases your risk for ingrown toenails. It’s best to look for stylish substitutes with lower heels and wider toe boxes. If you absolutely can’t part with them, at least resolve only to wear them for short periods of time.
Are fitness shoes and sneakers designed for your current activities? If you bought tennis shoes a few years ago but have switched to running as your regular exercise it’s not okay to use the same shoes. Today, athletic footwear is sport-specific in its design, with features that protect your feet during movements associated with the sport. Exercise shoes also have a life span. In general walking and running shoes, should be replaced every 300-500 miles, regardless of their physical appearance, because interior components break down.
Do these shoes hurt your feet? At the end of the day, regardless of style or age, if shoes hurt your feet you shouldn’t wear them! If you need footwear recommendations for styles to accommodate a chronic or new foot problem, contact our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, at our Cromwell office (860-632-5499) to arrange a consultation.
You may not want to hear this: flip-flops are really bad for your feet! At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know for many of our Middlesex County patients, flip-flops are the footwear of choice, especially during the summer months. What could possibly be the harm in these oh so easy to wear summer favorites? Below are five reasons why flip-flops are really just a flop:
If you still can’t bear to part with your flip-flops, at least look into purchasing a pair that has some design and construction improvements for the health of your feet. Several companies have begun producing flip-flops with better arch support and cushioning that can help mitigate some of the negative factors of this type of shoe. If you are currently experiencing foot or heel pain (whether from overuse of flip-flops or another reason), contact our Cromwell office by calling (860) 632-5499 so that our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, can examine your feet and diagnose the source of your discomfort.
At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know our Middlesex County patients are getting bored with being stuck at home because of the coronavirus. It’s important to try to do something positive at this time. How about cleaning out your shoe closet? The virus won’t last forever. Sort out your shoes now and you’ll be ready to greet spring and resume your social life in style.
Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, will tell you that the wrong shoes is a top cause of foot pain. In fact, many common podiatric problems including, chronic ankle instability, plantar fasciitis, and flat feet can all be caused or made worse by improper shoes. Below are some tips for sorting them out:
We hope all our patients are staying safe. As always, you can contact our Cromwell office by calling: (860) 632-5499.
At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know that as summer winds down many parents are getting ready for that annual back to school shopping excursion. The new shoes you buy for your child can help them move to the head of the class in podiatric health. Conversely, shoes that get failing marks can lead to foot pain and injury. Below are some tips to help you get the best shoes for your child.
Educating your child now about making sound footwear purchases will help teach them the importance of taking good care of their feet for a lifetime. If you have additional questions about shoes, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Questions or Comments?
We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.
162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416