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.

Your feet work very hard your whole life! They get you where you need to go and back, and sometimes take a lot of abuse while doing so! It’s important to know the changes that will come to your feet as you age. Knowing this will help you know what to do to keep your feet in shape to avoid complications. Even with proper exercise and exquisite care, you might still develop one or more of the following issues in your golden years:

Arthritis – Your feet have more than 30 joints. Everyday use can cause any of these joints in your feet and ankles to become painfully inflamed with arthritis. It’s typically your big toe that is affected, which can exacerbate deformities like bunions or hammertoes.

Loss of balance – As you age, your balance and coordination can waver. Diabetes can also be a contributing factor to balance difficulties and falls. Custom-made orthotics can help correct issues, minimize falls, and provide stability.

Swelling – The natural hormonal shifts that come with advanced age can cause your feet to swell. Certain medications and peripheral artery disease can make edemas appear or worsen as well.

Skin issues – Lesions and moles naturally occur on aging skin. These spots are often harmless, but if you notice a change in color or size or any other abnormality, it should always be seen by your foot doctor. As we age, our collagen levels deplete, which can make your feet drier than they were in your youth as well.

Lasting abrasions – Diabetes, vein diseases, and other ailments are more common with old age. These conditions can slow down blood flow to your feet and can make abrasions, cuts, or blisters harder to heal.

Changes in our bodies are as natural as the aging process. Taking care of our bodies – especially our feet – can help mitigate some of the lasting effects of time, and seemingly slow the aging process down. One way to ensure good foot health that will last until your golden years is to have your feet and ankles evaluated by your podiatrist.

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, Dr. Adam Mucinskas can help recommend best practices to help your feet age gracefully. If you’re a patient with diabetes looking for a professional, friendly foot doctor, give us a call today to schedule an appointment at our conveniently located office in the Cromwell, Connecticut area: (860) 632-5499.

Patients with diabetes are often at a higher risk for foot complications due to loss of feeling from nerve damage. When someone with diabetes gets a cut or blister on their foot, an ulcer can form which can often lead to infection. If that foot infection is left untreated, amputation might be the next step. Amputation is actually the number one reason for hospitalization for people with diabetes – even more common than high blood glucose episodes and circulatory ailments.

Proper foot care is key to avoiding amputation for patients with diabetes. Here are some great ways to reduce your risk:

Inspect your feet daily. Incorporate a daily foot check into your routine. Check for cuts, punctures, or bruises – especially on the soles of your feet. Don’t forget between your toes!

Wear the right stuff. Make sure your shoes fit right. Prescription shoes and orthotics are often made for patients with diabetes. Always keep your socks clean and dry. If you’re able to, switch to a fresh pair in the middle of the day. Never walk around barefoot.

Trim your nails right. Cut your toenails straight across to avoid painful, troublesome ingrown toenails.

Eat right. Follow your doctor’s prescribed regimen to keep your blood glucose low.

Quit smoking. Smoking reduces your blood circulation. This can make any nerve issues you already have even worse. Your doctor can give you great tips for quitting.

Regular podiatry appointments are a great proactive way to reduce diabetic foot complications. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, Dr. Adam Mucinskas can help treat wounds or ulcers, recommend proper footwear, assess nerve damage, or discuss more tips to reduce the risk of amputation. If you’re a patient with diabetes looking for a professional friendly foot doctor, give us a call today to schedule an appointment at our conveniently located office in Cromwell, Connecticut.

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.