(860) 632-5499
Podiatrist - Cromwell
162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416
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My Blog
Posts for: September, 2019
Do you notice that your second, third or fourth toe appears to be bending at the middle joint? This can be an early sign of a deformity known as hammertoe. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we want patients to better understand this condition and the importance of seeking treatment early.
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What Causes Hammertoes?
Hammertoes are the result of an abnormality in the balance of the muscles in the toes. Factors that can increase the risk of a hammertoe developing include:
- Improperly fitting footwear—particularly shoes that are too tight in the toe box
- Heredity
- Trauma
- Arthritis
Treatment Options
As the toe becomes more bent, the pain from walking and pressure from shoes increase. Secondary problems like corns and calluses may also develop on the affected toe. In addition to pain and discomfort, however, an even greater reason to seek treatment is to prevent the toe from becoming permanently rigid in that position. Our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas will prescribe the treatment that is best for you. Some possibilities for relief include:
- Change your shoes—choose footwear made of soft material with roomy toe boxes.
- Stretch it out—exercises can be done to stretch the toe and strengthen surrounding muscles.
- Add some padding—nonmedicated gel cushions and pads can be applied to ease pain and provide a barrier between your foot and your shoe.
- Put it on ice—applying an ice pack to the hammertoe several times a day can reduce inflammation, swelling and pain.
- Ditch high heels—get rid of anything over 2-inches high, because they put too much pressure on your toes. Discard styles with narrow, pointy fronts as well.
- Tape it up—the foot doctor may use taping to correct the imbalance of the muscles in the toe.
- Go custom—an orthotic device prescribed by the podiatrist is made according to a model of your unique foot. The orthotic can help with the muscle imbalance and redistribute weight to relieve pain and inflammation.
A last resort, if conservative measures don’t bring relief, is a surgical procedure to correct the hammertoe.
If you believe you have a hammertoe forming, contact our Cromwell office for an appointment by calling: (860) 632-5499.
At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we serve patients of all ages. For our senior patients, falls are a big concern. In fact, studies show that falls are the number one cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in older Americans. The good news is that there is much that can be done to reduce fall risk.
Pain-Free Feet Reduce Risk
If you or an older person you love is suffering from foot or ankle pain, fall risk is increased. It’s natural to walk in a way that is least painful but that can change your center of gravity and create an awkward gait that can lead to trips and falls. Don’t delay in getting podiatric pain evaluated. Contact our Cromwell office for an appointment and let our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas examine your feet and find the cause and treatment for your foot discomfort.
Home Safety Makeovers
An honest inspection of your home can reveal areas where improvements can be made to help you avoid falls. These include:
- Adding lighting in dark places in rooms, halls, stairways. Make sure your outdoor lighting is also adequate around the entrance of your home.
- Install grab bars and handrails in the bathroom around the toilet and shower. Make sure stairways have a railing on both sides.
- Remove clutter on the floors. This includes stacks of magazines and papers, footstools, plants, etc.
- Inspect the floors. Get rid of throw rugs. Nail down carpet corners that are sticking up. Make sure computer and electrical cords don’t go across a pathway.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Getting regular exercise helps strengthen your lower body and maintain flexibility in your feet. Look for exercise activities and classes that are designed to increase balance. Other ways that taking care of your health can help prevent falls include:
- Get your eyes checked regularly. A decrease in vision may require a change in your eyeglass prescription to ensure you can see and accurately judge depth of field and see objects in your path.
- Review your medications at least annually with your physician or pharmacist. Some medications or combination of drugs can cause you to feel dizzy, which increases the risk of falling.
If you are a senior patient and want help assessing your fall risk, contact us today.
Contact Us
Questions or Comments?
We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.
Call Today (860) 632-5499
162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416