Your toes are pretty amazing. Check them out! They cooperate together to help your body balance – if you were missing just one toe, you’d have to relearn how to do most activities. Can you imagine trying to dance without your big toe? It would be tough! That’s not to say that people don’t master those skills if they are missing a toe for whatever reason. Occasionally toes must be amputated because of injuries, infections, or diabetic complications. In those cases, a podiatrist can often build a custom orthotic to assist in “replacing” the lost toes.

Your toes are important and it’s important to take care of them. Check out some of the things that could happen if you don’t take proper care:

• Bunions and Bunionettes – Painful bony protrusions can form on the outside of your feet. If they form on your big toe, they’re called a bunion. If they form on the base of your pinky toe, they are a bunionette. Either way, they hurt! They are often caused by shoes that are too tight, although genetics plays a role in their forming as well.
• Hammertoe – Poorly fitting shoes can also lead to hammertoes. This deformity occurs on the second, third, or fourth toe. The middle joint of the toe is bent up, resembling a hammer.
• Corns – Thickened patches of skin caused by rubbing or pressure from a shoe are called corns. Because of the unnatural positioning of the toe, hammertoe can often lead to corns.
• Claw Toe – A claw toe is a similar deformity to hammertoe, but your toes bend in a different direction and the causes can be different. Claw toe is often caused by nerve issues associated with diabetes or alcoholism.
• Athlete’s foot – If you’ve ever had that itchy, scaly, red skin between your toes, you know how uncomfortable athlete’s foot can be! Easily prevent this by keeping your feet clean and dry. Always wear shoes in public places like pools, gyms, or locker rooms.
• Toenail fungus – Nails infected with fungus are discolored, brittle, and easily broken. The fungus can rise up and crack the nail bed. Toenail fungus can be very tough to treat and requires a podiatry visit immediately.
• Ingrown toenails – Trimming your toenails correctly and wearing properly-fitting shoes are some of the best ways to prevent ingrown toenails. A proper trim is straight across and not too close to the nail bed.

Most of these toe issues can be prevented with a little extra vigilance and care for your toes. If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort, or have noticed any changes in the skin or nail quality on your toes, we can help. Dr. Adam Mucinskas stays abreast of the latest technologies and treatments in podiatric medicine and can help get you on the path to healthy toes, feet, and ankles. To schedule an appointment at our convenient Cromwell, CT office, request one online or call us today at 860-632-5499.

As our bodies head into our golden years, things sometimes don’t operate the way they used to: padding in our joints wear down causing arthritis, wounds don’t heal as quickly, and sometimes our balance begins to wane. As we age, keeping your balance is incredibly important. Every year, one out of three people over 65 are injured in a fall. At that age, a fall can lead to debilitating injuries or hospitalization. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we have some great tips and exercises you can do that can improve your balance.

You can do these exercises anywhere and anytime, so it’s easy to incorporate them into your daily routine:

1. Swing your legs: Stand on one foot, picking the other leg up about 5 inches off the ground and swinging it forward and backward. Start slowly and place your foot down for balance if necessary.
2. Stretch your toes: Standing on your tip-toes engages your core. Lift your heels up and stretch your arms to the side. Turn your palms up and pulse your arms about an inch forward and backward. Do this about 25 times, repeating with your palms facing forward and backward as well.
3. Stand on one foot: Make sure you’re on a stable surface and try standing on one foot for 30 seconds. Repeat this exercise four times with each foot. Make sure that you have something to hold onto nearby just in case you wobble!
4. Be a clock: Stand on one leg and place one hand down. Direct your other arm straight up like a clock pointing to 12 o’clock. Rotate it clockwise to 3, 6, 9, and back to 12 o’clock. Switch legs and arms and repeat. If you’ve got a workout buddy, have them call out random times and move your arm to that time!
5. Walk in a straight line: Put your arms out to the side and take 20 heel-to-toe steps forward. Try to go backward for an extra challenge!

Try some squats: Plant your feet hip-width apart and stretch your arms forward. Slowly lower your hips as if there’s an invisible chair behind you. Squat as far down as you can go and hold for 30 seconds. You can try this against a wall for a little extra security too.

Completing these exercises regularly will increase your balance, which can also help up your strength, stability, and confidence. If you’ve had a fall already, or if you’re noticing your balance beginning to waver, it’s important to consult with your podiatrist. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, Dr. Adam Mucinskas can help assess your foot and ankle health and suggest ways to improve ankle stability. We offer a full line of custom orthotics that can help provide stability to keep you on your feet. Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment at our conveniently located office in the Cromwell, Connecticut area: (860) 632-5499.

In a cartoon world, a bunionette would be the bunion’s cute female counterpart – complete with a polka-dot dress and a cute pink bow. In the sometimes harsh reality of our real world, however, bunionettes (also known as Tailor’s Bunions) are painful, bony protrusions that manifest on the outside of the little toe. Luckily though, bunionettes can potentially be prevented, and, if they’ve already appeared, there are a myriad of helpful treatment options.

What causes a bunionette?

Like bunions, bunionettes can be caused by wearing narrow shoes or high heels. These shoes squeeze your toes into a pointed box, putting pressure on the bony joints in your outer toes. Often, however, individuals can have a genetic predisposition to bunionettes. Some people’s feet naturally shift to protrude into a bunionette as they age.

Symptoms of bunionettes

Bunionettes start out as a mild bump on your little toe, with little to no noticeable pain. As the growth progresses though, the toes’ ligaments stretch and the tendons begin to pull away from the toes, causing the bump to enlarge and the bony protrusion to become inflamed. This can start to be quite painful! As the bunionette grows, the little toe becomes more crooked and shoes can become difficult to wear or walking can become uncomfortable.

How do you treat bunionettes?

Early treatment is always best, so if you notice a bump on your small toe, call your podiatrist! Prevention is the best treatment, so avoiding shoes that squeeze your feet and high heels is the best practice. Other treatment includes using an orthotic insert that can help correct the position of your foot. Padding, taping, or splinting the affected toe can also help to correct the position and reduce pain. Anti-inflammation drugs can help alleviate pain as well. 

For patients whose symptoms are severe enough that they have trouble performing day-to-day activities, surgery might be necessary. Surgery can correct misaligned bones, crooked toes, and help to address the large bump protruding from the foot. Most patients are able to walk after the procedure, but healing can take up to 8 weeks in most cases.

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we have treated bunionettes successfully for years. Dr. Adam Mucinskas has helped numerous patients resume their normal daily lives by working with their painful bunions. If you’re experiencing a painful protrusion on your feet, or any other foot or ankle issue, give us a call today to schedule an appointment at our conveniently located office in the Cromwell, Connecticut area: (860) 632-5499.

As your child grows and changes, so do their needs and often your worries. You worry they’re getting the right foods, that they’re brushing their teeth, and that they’re washing their hands properly. The podiatry experts here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists know that you’ve got your hands full, so we’re here to help with one of your child’s biggest needs that can sometimes be a mystery: their feet.

Your child’s feet grow rapidly, just like the rest of their body. Follow these tips through their life stages to ensure excellent foot health through adulthood:

Infancy (birth to 1 year)

• Inspect your baby’s feet. If you notice something “off” or abnormal, give us a call. Foot deformities do not simply correct themselves if left untreated.
• Let your baby stay barefoot. Shoes or booties can restrict stretching of the toes, causing abnormal development
• Let your baby stretch and kick their feet. These motions help prepare the muscles for standing and walking.

Toddler (1 to 3 years)

• Keep their feet uncovered indoors. Walking barefoot lets their foot muscles grow and strengthen naturally. When walking outdoors, their feet must be protected from rough surfaces. Lightweight, flexible footwear made of natural materials are best for their rapidly growing feet.
• Watch how they walk. Odd walking styles like persistent toe-walking should be noted. If your kid is limping or tripping, it might be a sign that something else is going on too. A podiatrist can help examine their gait to determine if treatment or therapy is needed.

Child (4 to 8 years)

• Get your kid’s feet measured regularly. Every type of shoe fits differently, so make sure you take your child shoe shopping with you. This gives them a chance to try on all the options and promotes healthy foot habits later.
• Continue good footwear practice. Your child is more active at this age and participating in more activities. If they’re swimming or going in a locker room, make sure they wear flip-flops to avoid any fungal or bacterial infections. If it’s snowy, make sure they have proper winter boots. If they’re starting sports activities, make sure they have all the right footwear.

If you follow these tips, it will help your child towards excellent foot health as they mature. If you ever have any questions about, your child’s feet, give us a call here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists. Dr. Adam Mucinskas can help assess your child’s feet and set you on the right path. To schedule an appointment at our convenient Cromwell, CT office, request one online or call us today at 860-632-5499.

As we are finally starting to see some more sunshine here in Cromwell, CT, more people are taking advantage of the weather and getting some outdoor exercise. If you’re considering picking up running as your heart-healthy activity, Dr. Adam Mucinskas has some tips to ensure that your feet and your whole body stay in good form.

Follow these tips for excellent foot health as you begin running:

1. Set goals early.  Setting a specific challenging but attainable goal can help keep you motivated. An upcoming 5k or family fun run might be a good goal to consider. If you have a smartphone, there are numerous apps that can help you track your progress and meet your goals.
2. Stay humble.  Knowing your limits is key. If you overdo it and sustain an injury, it will set your exercise plans way back. Plan a way to ease into a solid running regimen and follow it closely. There are great resources online to get you started on a path to running. Running magazines also often have sections for beginners that can get you started.
3. Get the right gear.  Find a reputable running store in your area and ask for their professional advice. They can assess your gait and help you find the right shoe for how you run. Some runners roll their foot inward or outward as they run, which can require a specific kind of shoe to accommodate. Improper footwear can cause injuries.
4. Don’t run through pain.  If any part of your foot or ankle hurts, don’t ignore it. Stop running and rest your body. If you sustained a foot injury during running, come see our expert doctor. Stress fractures, ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis are all common running injuries that need to be assessed by a podiatrist.

If you’ want to get your feet examined before adding running to your exercise routine, the professionals at Feet First Foot Care Specialists can get you started. To schedule an appointment at our convenient Cromwell, Connecticut office, request one online or call us today at 860-632-5499.