Proper support for your feet can make a lasting difference. Without proper support, uneven weight distribution to the feet could occur. In particular, orthotics can help prevent severe conditions and correct unequal weight distribution spread across the feet. Our podiatrist, Adam Mucinskas, D.P.M., can help you with a custom feeling orthotic. Come and visit Dr. Mucinskas at the Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC, located in Cromwell, CT. 

Orthotics help feet maintain an unbiased position which helps your knees and lower back line up correctly. This will help the body to function correctly and decrease potential pain. They can even help reduce knee pain because it’s related to the arch not maintaining the joint in an unbiased position. Custom orthotics support the arch to prevent unequal weight distribution that can cause uneven pressure along the foot. These pressure points may lead to swelling that can cause substantial un-comfort. Orthotics can help to spread your weight consistently along the foot and reduce pressure points, and help the rest of the body to heal. Our orthotics will help to reduce pressure points at the heel and spread body weight over the entire surface area of the foot.

Our use of state of the art technology allows us to provide your feet with a custom feeling orthotic that will act to minimize pain unique to your feet. By using our orthotics, you will help to minimize heel pain brought about by unequal pressure points. 

For those experiencing uneven pressure points in their feet, we will provide you with the best chance of preventing serous pain by fitting you with a custom orthotic tailored to fit the curves of your feet. Contact or make an appointment with our offices by calling as soon as possible. Take the opportunity to visit Dr. Mucinskas to receive the best option for treatment and pain reduction.

Foot pain can seriously impact your daily routine. In particular Hammertoes are a bending of the toe at the initial joint. If left untreated, it can lead to immobility of the foot. Our podiatrist, Adam Mucinskas, D.P.M., can help to treat this condition and potentially prevent major surgery. You can visit Dr. Mucinskas at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC, located in Cromwell, CT.     

Hammertoes are deformities of the toe and occur with higher frequency in women, about 80 percent, because women tend to wear high heels and narrow shoes that lead to bending in the center of the joint. 

     The following can be helpful in preventing this condition from forming:

• Wearing shoes with soft materials or open toe shoes.
• Have popular shoes stretched around the toe box. 
• Self-help exercises can prevent the joint from bending in an unnatural way.
• Silicone pads or foot inserts with custom orthotics can help alleviate pain.

     There are several surgical treatments that may be helpful:

• Removal of parts of the toe joint that’s stopping the deformed toe from straightening. 
• Re-routing of the tendon so the toe can be straightened and ease the joint pressure.
• Shorten the bone so that extra space can be made for the toe to fill in footwear. 
• Removing part of the joint, which will reduce pain and allow the bones in the toe to grow in a natural manner.  
• Implanting orthopedic products can to fix deformities. 

Recovery should not take very long for general procedures, but more complicated treatment requiring the use of pins or screws may compel the need for several months of healing time. 

As you can see, Hammertoes if left untreated can lead to mobility issues, especially for women. If you are experiencing Hammertoes, please, contact or make an appointment with our offices by calling as soon as possible. Take this opportunity to get the best option for treatment and recovery. 

Diabetic foot pain can seriously impact your daily routine, especially when dealing with wound care. In particular, diabetic foot ulcers usually occur on the bottom of feet and afflict diabetics. If left untreated, it can lead to infection and sometimes amputation. Our podiatrist, Adam Mucinskas, D.P.M., can help to treat this condition and potentially prevent major surgery. You can visit Dr. Mucinskas at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC, located in Cromwell, CT.    

Diabetic Foot Ulcers are openings in the skin of the foot that reveals the tissue underneath. There are different types that you should know about:

• Neuropathic ulcers cause numbness in the foot. Diabetes generally causes numbing in the foot, and minor cuts can turn into these ulcers.
• Ischemic ulcers result from a lack of blood flow and are difficult to heal due to the decreased blood flow.
• A combination of the above ulcers can result from the foot being numb and experiencing a lack of blood flow simultaneously.

There are several treatments that could help prevent amputation:

• Removal of the infected skin from the ulcer via surgical tools.
• Use of a surrounding safety material such as a removable boot that can decrease pressure around the ulcer. 
• The area around the wound where the Ulcer is treated can be covered with ointments or other special dressings.
• There may be other treatments to help increase blood flow around the ulcer location for those who have reduced blood flow.

For those experiencing chronic heel pain as a result of Plantar Fasciitis, PinPointe Foot Laser Therapy can be used treat it. This treatment is non-surgical, uses non-focused waves and does not require any form of anesthetic.

As you can see, heel pain left undiagnosed can lead to severe foot injuries, especially for those who stand all day on their feet. If you are experiencing chronic heel pain, contact or make an appointment with our offices by calling as soon as possible. Take this opportunity to get the best option for treatment and recovery.

If you or your older loved ones are showing signs of foot or ankle problems, it may be time to get a senior foot care checkup.

Aging is inevitable and experts will tell us that foot problems can be one of the first signs that your feet need different care then we needed (or didn’t need) in our younger years.  It is important to pay attention to your feet and contact a podiatrist as soon as symptoms begin.  understands podiatry no matter what stage of life your feet are in.

There are obvious changes that naturally happen as we age that could raise concern. Early warning signs in senior foot care can make a difference in one’s health. Take note to some points that may save you a lot of pain.

Signs of Senior Care:

• Foot injuries that take too long to heal or don’t heal at all.
• Excessive and abnormal numbness or cramping in feet.
• Sensitivity to very hot or cold temperature.
• If feet are in pain while walking but are relieved when resting.

Feet that are healthy and pain free help you to keep your balance, which prevents slips and falls. This is a major cause for injury and hospitalization with elders.

Topics of Priority:

• Create a foot care kit to have available when needed.
• Wear lose fitting, clean and dry socks every day.
• Keep your nails clipped straight across the tip of the nail.
• Shoes are very important and they should fit comfortably with a wide toe box and arch support along with adequate cushioning in the sole.
• Clean your feet gently every day with warm water and soap and pat them dry rather than rubbing.
• Inspect your feet often and check for bruises, bumps, cuts or change in color.
• Moisturize your feet but make sure it doesn’t get stuck in between your toes

Do not ignore the signs of aging with foot and ankle pain. Let Dr. Mucinskas keep your feet young by calling Feet First Foot Care LLC in Cromwell, Ct. at 860-632-5499 for an appointment. Catch our early bird special and keep your feet moving!

Whether you’re playing at school or your local neighborhood park, Baseball is the American Sport and Pastime! But, with all its quick jolts, running and sliding into bases, your feet and ankles could take a lot of hits.  Adam Mucinskas, DPM has some tips to help you cover all your bases.

First Base

Stretching before practice or a game is vital to having a limber body. Most injuries such as ankle sprains, Achilles tendon ruptures and turf toe, can be avoided by simply warming up before, during and after a game (or practice). It doesn’t matter how old you are or what league you are in, young and old, stretch it out and warm it up.

Second Base

The right shoes allow your feet to work at maximum capacity for the field whether it’s running the bases or trying to catch a fly ball. Cleats should have room in the toes to wiggle but the heel should fit a bit tighter for stability. Replace your cleats after 75 hours of active wear. You can do the math while we focus on your feet!

Third Base

Be aware of your turf. Take a walk around the field and see if there are any new holes or bumps that may not have been there before. Check for obstructions or hazardous objects. When an athlete is injured, there is pressure on the treating physician to return you to the field as soon as possible. You know your body better than anyone so don’t be afraid to sit one out if you need to get to the hospital.  The game will go on without you.

Home Run

These safety tips can possibly save your season. Baseball is typically a safe sport but as all sports can potentially be an injury zone, this one can present it challenges too. Remember that injuries can happen while fielding balls as easily as running or sliding into a base. And believe it or not, ingrown toenails can present themselves to the pitchers and catchers as they repeatedly must balance on their toes throughout the entire game.

Schedule an appointment today to make sure your feet and ankles are ready to run those bases. Call us in Cromwell, Ct. at 860-632-5499 and let the coach put you or your child in the game today. Let Feet First Foot Care help you run the bases safely!