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Podiatrist - Cromwell
162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416

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Posts for: October, 2019

By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
October 29, 2019
Tags: foot odor   sweaty feet  

We’re all familiar with the children’s Halloween rhyme, “Trick or treat, smell my feet.” At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, however, we know that if you suffer from foul foot odor, it’s nothing to joke about. Smelly feet are the result of the interaction between perspiration and bacteria that thrive in your socks and shoes. Your feet have more sweat glands than any other part of your body, approximately 3,000 per square inch, so it’s not surprising that perspiration problems commonly occur here.

If you are suffering from excessively sweaty and stinky feet, make an appointment at our Cromwell office at your earliest convenience by calling (860) 632-5499. Our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas will want to check on the cause of your foot odor issue. In some patients, an inherited condition called hyperhidrosis may be at the root of the problem. Stress, certain medications and hormonal problems can also increase perspiration production.

In most cases, however, you can get foot odor under control with a few simple, preventative measures:

  1. Change your socks every day and multiple times per day if necessary. A good way to reduce foot odor is by not letting your feet sit in damp socks.
  2. Bathe your feet using warm water and soap every day. Be sure to dry your feet thoroughly before putting on socks and shoes.
  3. Don’t wear closed shoes without socks.
  4. Avoid plastic shoes and nylon socks. These types of materials hold sweat in. Choose materials like canvas and leather or other materials that let your feet breathe.
  5. Don’t wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Allow at least 24 hours for shoes to air out before you wear them again. Serious athletes who work out daily may want to invest in a second pair of sneakers to avoid foot odor.
  6. Look for socks that are made of material that wicks moisture away from your feet. 
  7. Dust your feet with powder to keep dry. You can even try using an antiperspirant stick on the bottom of your feet.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
October 21, 2019
Category: Foot conditions

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, the health of your feet is our number one priority. One way we encourage our patients to keep their feet healthy is by contacting our Cromwell office as soon as they experience pain or other unusual foot symptoms. This way, our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas can examine your feet and determine if there is a foot disorder present. However, there are many ways you can be good to your feet when they’re not hurting so that they can continue to enable you to live the active life you love.

  • Get your feet professionally measured. Did you know that some studies show that 90% of people are wearing shoes that are too small for their feet? Cramped toe boxes can increase the risk and severity of bunions and hammertoes.
  • Don’t wear flat shoes. For proper alignment and biomechanical functioning, your arches need support. When feet are flat, it causes heel pain and can lead to plantar fasciitis.
  • Wash your feet every day. This simple act can help prevent many foot infections.
  • Keep an extra pair of socks in your bag. Fungi love moist, warm, dark places. When your feet sit in damp socks, you are creating the perfect environment for fungal infections to thrive.
  • Don’t go barefoot. Keeping your feet covered will lower your risk for athlete’s foot, fungal toenails and warts—all of which are spread by direct contact.
  • Don’t file your toenails with rounded edges. This encourages the nail to grow downward and can lead to painful ingrown toenails.
  • Exercise regularly. This has several benefits for your feet. First, it keeps them flexible and helps maintain range of motion. Regular exercise also reduces the risk and the severity of arthritic conditions. In addition, it helps prevent heart disease and high blood pressure which can cause harm to your feet.
  • Skip the second helpings. A lower weight means less strain on your feet and ankles.

If you have health concerns about your feet or questions about being proactive about their health, contact us at (860) 632-5499.


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By Adam Mucinskas, DPM
October 14, 2019

It’s officially boot season! At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we want to help our patients avoid podiatric pain and problems by giving some tips on how to find boots that are not only fashionable but good for your feet.

Below is a checklist of features to look for:

  • Roomy toe box—boots that are pointy and narrow squish toes together and increase the risk and severity of conditions like bunions and hammertoes. If your toes are squeezed up against each other for long hours, you are also more likely to develop ingrown toenails.
  • Good arch support—oftentimes, we see patients in our Cromwell office complaining of heel pain during the winter months. The cause turns out to be fashion boots that have little or no arch support. Proper arch support keeps your plantar fascia—the long band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot—happy, which in turn reduces pressure and pain in both your arch and your heel.
  • Cushioned insoles and heel cups—think of how many steps you take each day. The constant pounding of your feet against the ground can result in foot pain and tendon inflammation. Thick cushioning in the inside of your boots will act as a shock absorber, protecting your feet and increasing comfort.
  • Ankle protection—when conditions get slippery, ankle sprain risk skyrockets. Be sure your boots fit your ankles securely and avoid thin, high heels that are unstable by design. Look for a gripping tread on the boot as well to further reduce your risk of trips and falls.

Once you’ve found a boot that meets the above qualifications, get a proper fit. Have your foot professionally measured. If our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas has prescribed a custom orthotic device for you to wear, be sure to bring it with you and try it on with the boots you are considering. Shop at the end of the day—it’s when your feet are at their largest and most swollen.

If you have additional questions about shoe styles that are best for your feet, contact us by calling: (860) 632-5499.


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By Adam Mucinskas, DPM
October 09, 2019
Category: foot health
Tags: Lisfranc injuries   joint   ligament  

Injuries to the Lisfranc joint or ligament are less common than other sports injuries. But now at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we find more patients are looking for information about this condition, probably thanks to quarterback Cam Newton of the Caroline Panthers. Earlier this season Newton was sidelined with a Lisfranc injury. Athletes who play contact sports like football are at a higher risk for Lisfranc injuries as are runners and horseback riders. This injury is also often seen in car accident victims.

Where Is the Lisfranc?

The Lisfranc joint is located in the middle of your foot where the arch bones are connected to the metatarsal bones (the long bones that go your toes). The Lisfranc ligament joins two of the joint bones together.

There are three types of Lisfranc injuries that can occur singly or in combination. These are:

  1. Fracture—one or more of the bones in the Lisfranc joint can break or a small piece of a bone may be pulled off. This is known as an avulsion fracture.
  2. Sprain—a twisting injury is usually the cause of a sprain which is an overstretching of the Lisfranc ligament. Since the Lisfranc and other ligaments on the bottom of the midfoot are stronger than the ones on top, a sprain can leave the joint unstable.
  3. Dislocation—a trauma or wrenching motion can force the joint out of its normal position.

What Are the Signs of an Injury?

Lisfranc injuries are sometimes mistaken for ankle sprains and that’s because there is some commonality of symptoms. When there is a Lisfranc injury, a patient may experience one or more of the following:

  • Pain in the midfoot when pressure is applied and when standing—in the case of a severe injury, you may not be able to bear weight on the hurt foot.
  • Blistering or bruising on the arch of the foot can be a distinguishing characteristic of a Lisfranc injury. There may also be blistering or bruising on the top of the midfoot.
  • Swelling.
  • Widening of the foot.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential that you contact our Cromwell office by calling (860) 632-5499 so that our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas can examine the injured foot and make the appropriate diagnosis. While you wait for your appointment, stay off the hurt foot and ice the affected area to reduce swelling and pain.


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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
October 02, 2019
Category: arthritis

During the month of October, we recognize World Arthritis Day. Here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we want patients to realize that arthritis isn’t inevitable and there are steps you can take to reduce symptoms.

There are several misconceptions patients have about arthritis. The first is that arthritis is a single disease. It is actually an umbrella term that includes more than 100 disorders that affect the joints. Another misconception is that arthritis is a natural part of getting older that just has to be accepted. That couldn’t be further from the truth! Although osteoarthritis, the most common type, occurs as joints and cartilage wear down, your lifestyle choices can play a key role in determining whether you develop arthritis and its severity. Some ways to reduce your risk and your symptoms include:

  • Eating a healthy diet. Being overweight dramatically increases your risk of developing arthritis, especially in your feet and ankles. There are 33 joints in your feet, and they carry the weight of your entire body. Excess weight means excess strain and pressure on those joints. You can also help your bones and joints by ensuring you get enough calcium and vitamin D and avoiding fried foods and those high in sugar as these are known to cause joint inflammation.
  • Stay active. Regular exercise, particularly weight-bearing activities like walking, increase joint strength and help you maintain flexibility and full range of motion. You’ll also burn calories which will help keep your weight in check.
  • Be safe. Arthritis often sets in at the site of an old injury. Don’t take unnecessary chances. Practice ladder safety, drive carefully and take precautions to avoid sports injuries to reduce your chances of developing arthritis as you age.

Take Early Action

Recognize the symptoms of arthritis:

  • Joint stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning
  • Pain or tenderness in a joint
  • Limited range of motion
  • Swelling
  • Skin changes such as redness, warmth, rashes or growths

If experience any of these, don’t delay. Make an appointment at our Cromwell office by calling: (860) 632-5499. Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, will examine your feet and ankles and determine the source of your joint discomfort. Treatment in the early stages of many types of arthritis can significantly slow its progression and increase your mobility.


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162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416