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

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Posts for: December, 2019

By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
December 30, 2019
Category: Foot Care

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know that with the New Year come resolutions for self-improvement. One area that we’d like our Fairfield County patients to consider making some positive changes in is the care of your feet. It’s amazing how many common foot ailments can be avoided with proper care. Below are some suggestions for steps you can take to ensure that your feet and ankles serve you well for many years to come.

  • Take a Good Look. Regularly inspecting your feet for changes or the first signs of developing conditions can help you head podiatric problems off at the pass. Symptoms to pay attention to include changes in skin color, swelling, toes that look like they are moving out of place, bruising, cuts that don’t seem to heal, rashes and growths. If you see anything concerning, make an appointment at our Cromwell office by calling (860) 632-5499.
  • Choose the Right Shoes for What You Do. If you participate in a sport or have an exercise regimen, wear shoes specifically designed for the activity you are doing. Replace sports shoes when they show signs of wear or have been used for the amount of time designated as the natural lifespan of the shoe.
  • Make Sure the Shoe Fits. Did you know it’s estimated that as many as 90% of patients are wearing shoes that are too small for them? Shoe size can change over time. Get your feet professionally measured and always try on both shoes and walk around for a bit before making a shoe purchase.
  • Practice Proper Nail Care. Always trim your toenails straight across and don’t file in a rounded shape. This can encourage the nails to grow downward and become ingrown.
  • Keep Feet Covered. In public places, this will help prevent athlete’s feet and toenail fungus which are spread by direct contact. At home, shoes or slippers will help you avoid cuts and puncture wounds. This is even more important if you have diabetes.
  • Don’t Ignore Foot Pain. If you are experiencing foot or ankle discomfort, don’t delay seeking treatment. Our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas will examine your feet and perform the necessary tests to find the source of your foot problem, and then prescribe the correct treatment. Contact us today.

 


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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
December 23, 2019
Category: Gout
Tags: gout   toe pain  

Here is a scenario that is not uncommon for us here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists in Middlesex County to see at this time of the year. After a delicious and rich holiday meal of shrimp cocktail followed by roast beef, potatoes in cream sauce and red wine, topped off with a nice glass of brandy, a patient wakes up in the middle of the night with agonizing pain in the big toe joint. This is the calling card of an arthritic condition known as gout. 

What’s Going On?

Gout attacks happen when uric acid builds up in the body and crystallizes in a joint. Uric acid is a byproduct of the breakdown of chemicals called purines which occur naturally in our bodies and in certain foods. In some cases, the body may produce too much uric acid or it may have difficulty eliminating normal amounts from the system. The big toe is the most frequent target of gout because the uric acid crystalizes at cooler temperatures and the toe is the body part that is the coldest, being the farthest from the heart. For some patients the tendency for gout is genetic. There are other risk factors too, however. These include:

  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Stress
  • Chemotherapy and certain medications
  • Surgery

What Can Be Done?

If it’s your first time having gout, you should contact our Cromwell office for an appointment by calling (860) 632-5499. Our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas will examine your foot and toe and also get a complete medical history. X-rays or lab tests may be conducted to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. The foot doctor may recommend that you avoid foods high in purines (shellfish, red meat, red wine, organ meats, and brandy). Drinking plenty of water can help flush excess uric acid from your body. Medications are also available to help prevent future attacks.


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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
December 17, 2019
Category: Foot Care

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know that if you’re making your list and checking it twice, you’ve probably noticed that your feet have been awfully nice this year. Why not consider a gift that shows your appreciation for these incredible structures and all that they enable you to do every day of the year?foot care gifts

New Shoes

This is not just a nod to current fashions. Your shoes are probably the single biggest factor in protecting the health of your feet. Get your feet professionally measured—it’s not unusual for shoe size to increase as you age. Choose a pair that is well made of natural and breathable materials (to help prevent fungal infections) with good arch support and a cushioned insole for comfort. Keep heel height to two inches or less to avoid undue pressure to the forefoot and toes, which can increase the risk of bunions and ingrown toenails.

Anti-Fatigue Mat

If you have a job that requires you to stand many hours each day or you find yourself in front of the kitchen sink or somewhere else in your home for long periods of time, treat yourself to an anti-fatigue mat. These thick and extra cushiony mats can help reduce fatigue and pain in your feet, ankles and lower extremities.

Foot Massage

Nothing feels better than a foot massage. Reflexology is an ancient Chinese practice which subscribes to the belief that different areas of your feet have a corresponding relationship to other parts of the body. A reflexology massage is thought to have the ability to have a beneficial effect on circulation, energy levels and organ health. Plus, it just feels so good and can relieve stress.

Podiatric Checkup

If you are suffering pain or discomfort in your feet or ankles, the best gift you can give yourself is a visit with our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas. The foot doctor will examine your feet and ankles, take a complete medical history and provide a prompt diagnosis of your podiatric problem along with a treatment plan designed specifically for you. To make an appointment at our Cromwell office, call (860) 632-5499.  


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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
December 10, 2019
Category: Hunters Foot Care

It’s hunting season in Middlesex County and we at Feet First Foot Care Specialists want our patients who enjoy this activity to do so safely and without harming their feet. The source of most hunting foot and ankle injuries are due to falling from tree stands and hiking over uneven terrain. Hunter's Footcare Tips

Below are five tips for ensuring that you don’t fall prey to common foot problems.

  1. Choose sturdy shoes. It’s easy to twist an ankle climbing over roots and brush in the woods. Be sure the footwear you are wearing has firm ankle support, fits properly and helps you navigate over muddy or slippery places. If our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas has prescribed a custom orthotic, make sure you can wear it in your hunting shoes.
  2. Wear a safety harness. Fractured ankles and heels and ankle sprains are the frequent results of falls from tree stands. No one plans to fall! Take the proper precautions to prevent falls.
  3. Pack for protection. A small piece of moleskin can save the day if you start to experience an irritation anywhere on the skin of your foot. Apply immediately and prevent a blister from forming. It’s also a good idea to bring an extra pair of socks in case your feet get damp. Sweat increases friction, which in turn increases the risk of blisters and also athlete’s foot.
  4. Watch your step. May sound basic, but be aware of the path before you and any rocks, roots or other impediments that could cause you to trip. Always let someone know where you will be hunting and your expected time of return. This way if you are injured and unable to walk out, someone will know where to look for you.
  5. Don’t delay in seeking treatment if you sustain an injury. Too often patients mistakenly think that if they can walk on an injured foot it must be okay. It is possible to bear weight even with a sprain or fracture and then the damage will increase. Contact our Cromwell office for an appointment by calling: (860) 632-5499.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
December 03, 2019
Category: Toe conditions
Tags: ingrown toenail  

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know that, if you’ve ever had an ingrown toenail, you won’t likely soon forget what it felt like. It’s amazing that something as tiny as a toenail can cause such excruciating pain! When a toenail starts to grow back into the skin surrounding the nail, the area will become red, swollen and hard. Left untreated, it can also become infected. We urge all our Fairfield County patients not to delay if they notice pus or other discharge around the nail, a foul smell or they have a fever. Contact our Cromwell office immediately by calling: (860) 632-5499.

Below are some causes of ingrown toenails and what you can do to prevent this condition:

Improper Nail Trimming—this is the most frequent reason toenails become ingrown. Always cut your nails straight across but do not make them too short, especially on the sides. This makes it easy for the skin to overlap the nail and the nail to start to grow into the skin. Never file toenails with a rounded or curved edge.

Too Tight Shoes—another common cause of ingrown toenails is shoes that squeeze the toes together. If your shoes are too small, the toe box is exceedingly narrow or you spend lots of time in high heels which force the toes down and together, you’re increasing your risk for an ingrown toenail. Choose styles with lots of space in the front to freely wiggle your toes and keep heels to two inches or less.

Fungal Infections Run Amok—if you have a fungal infection such as athlete’s foot or toenail fungus and don’t seek treatment promptly, the infection can spread. It can damage your skin and help create a scenario where an ingrown nail can form.

An Inherited Tendency—in some cases, ingrown toenails can be hereditary. If you have a chronic issue with a toenail becoming ingrown, our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas can perform a simple procedure that will prevent a section of the nail from re-growing and permanently eliminate the problem.

If you have an ingrown nail, you can try soaking it in warm, soapy water or an Epsom salt bath several times a day. If this does not allow the nail to gently move out of the skin, contact us for an appointment.


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162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416