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

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Posts for: January, 2020

By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
January 29, 2020
Category: Toe conditions
Tags: toe pain   toe deformities  

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, a condition we often see in our Middlesex county office is deformities of one or more toes. Many patients mistakenly think that there is nothing that can be done about these disorders and unfortunately doesn’t come to our Cromwell office to have them evaluated by our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, until they have become extremely painful and debilitating. At that point, toe deformities are more difficult to treat and correct. Below are three common toe problems and what to do about them. 

Hammertoe

This deformity affects the second, third or fourth toe and is marked by a bend in the middle joint causing it to resemble its namesake hammer appearance. Hammertoes most often occur due to a muscle imbalance or wearing improperly fitting shoes. When diagnosed in the early stage—while the toe is still flexible—the podiatrist can try strapping the toe, exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles and shoe modifications to slow the progression of the deformity. Left untreated, hammertoes can become rigid in the bent position. In that case, only surgery will be able to correct the deformity.

Claw Toe

Patients with claw toe have usually suffered nerve damage from a disease like diabetes or alcoholism. The nerve damage causes the muscles to weaken in the foot and the toes begin to take on a claw-like appearance. The abnormal bend of the toe makes wearing shoes uncomfortable and painful corns may then develop. When detected early, the foot doctor can use splints and tape to hold the toe in its correct position.

Bunions

A bunion is actually a bone deformity where the joint at the base of the big toe becomes enlarged and starts to move out of place, producing the easily identified bulge on the side of the big toe. Not only do many patients consider this condition unsightly, but it also can be extremely painful as the protrusion rubs against footwear, becoming red and tender. Corns may form and walking hurts. Over time, arthritis or bursitis may set in and calluses can form on the bottom of the foot. Fortunately, there are several conservative and surgical treatment options available.

The key with all of these deformities is to contact us as soon as you notice a toe appears to be moving out of place or taking on an abnormal shape. The sooner we can treat a toe deformity, the greater the likelihood that a conservative measure will take care of the problem.


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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
January 22, 2020
Category: Foot Care
Tags: skin conditions   fissures  

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we want our Middlesex County patients to know that while good podiatric care is more than skin deep, the care of the skin on your feet is an important part of keeping your feet healthy and fully functioning. Skin conditions can be a sign of an underlying foot problem. Left untreated, they can also lead to infections and other issues.

Here are some tips for taking care of the skin on your feet

  • Wash Daily—this may seem basic, but a host of fungal and bacterial conditions can be prevented by simply washing your feet with soap and water every day.
  • Moisturize—skin that’s dry and flaky can become itchy and irritated. Very dry skin can start to crack, resulting in fissures in your heel and open sores that can potentially allow bacteria to come in and an infection to develop. Nighttime is the best time to apply a thick, rich lotion or cream. Slip on a pair of soft socks to help the moisturizer fully absorb into your skin.
  • Keep Feet Dry—fungal infections love damp, dark places, like the insides of sweaty socks. If your feet tend to perspire excessively, use a foot powder each day and keep extra socks handy so you can change when you notice they feel damp. Don’t rush drying your feet after bathing. Pay particular attention to the skin between your toes as that is the most common starting point for athlete’s foot.
  • Don’t Share—many infections are spread by direct contact. You can greatly reduce your risk of fungal infections by not wearing someone else’s shoes or socks and not using nail clippers, emery boards or towels used by another person on his or her feet.
  • Monitor Chronic Problems—deformities such as claw toes and bunions can create irritation to the skin due to the ongoing pressure of shoes on the deformity. This in turn leads to blisters, corns and calluses.

It’s essential that our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas monitor and treat podiatric conditions that can lead to skin problems. If you suffer from a chronic foot problem, schedule regular checkups at our Cromwell office by calling: (860) 632-5499.


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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
January 22, 2020
Category: exercise

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know that it’s about this time when many resolutions that were made fervently in the New Year to get in shape begin to peter out. We want our Fairfield County patients to be able to continue on this very worthwhile path.

Here, we offer the most common causes of exercise plan demise and how you can avoid them.

  1. You chose a poor plan. Too often, patients forget that big goals, like getting fit, require a long and steady effort. Tempting plans that offer quick success invariably fail. If an exercise regimen is too strenuous, it is difficult to sustain. Trying to do too much too soon can leave you worn out and discouraged. Instead, look for a fitness plan that starts out slowly with something you know you can do and then gradually builds in duration and intensity to help you gain muscle strength and endurance at a steady pace. A plan started January first would now be starting to yield noticeable results if it is sound and you have been able to stick with it. Good plans also include warmups, cooldowns and stretches to protect your body from injury.

  2. You didn’t have the right shoes. Today’s fitness footwear is specifically designed for the movement required by a particular sport or activity. In addition, the individual foot condition and chronic disorders that you may have such as bunions or heel pain may dictate the type of shoes that would be best. If you have an ongoing foot problem, it’s important for our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas to examine your feet before you start a new exercise program. The foot doctor may have recommendations for shoe features that will enhance both comfort and performance. In some cases, a custom orthotic device may be prescribed.

  3. You injured your foot or ankle. If you made one of the two above mistakes, your risk for podiatric injury is increased. Programs that attempt to bring you from couch potato to super athlete in a short time can cause overuse injuries like Achilles tendonitis. Poor shoe choice can lead to blisters, shin splints and other more serious injuries. The bottom line is, if your feet or ankles hurt, stop the activity and contact our Cromwell office for an appointment by calling: (860) 632-5499. We’ll diagnose your foot problem and help you re-boot your fitness plan.


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January 08, 2020
Category: Uncategorized
Tags: Untagged

Is one of your goals in the New Year to get in shape? If so, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most popular resolutions that our Middlesex county patients make. We at Feet First Foot Care Specialists are all in favor—as long as exercise activities are undertaken in a safe manner. Too often there is a tendency to start up a new fitness plan much too quickly. This can end in injury, pain and a short-lived resolution. The Achilles tendon is particularly susceptible to overuse injuries.

Signs of Achilles Tendonitis

Your Achilles tendon runs along the back of your lower leg and connects your heel bone to your calf muscle. It’s actually the largest tendon in your body and can withstand forces of 1,000 pounds or more, and yet it is also the most frequently injured tendon. Activities that put a strain on the tendon include stair climbing, hill running and rapidly increasing the speed and duration of an activity that involves running. The best exercise programs are those that start off at a low level of intensity and gradually increase in speed and duration over time. Periods of rest in between workouts are also necessary.

Signs that you may have overdone it with your Achilles tendon include:

  • Pain, which can be severe, anywhere along the tendon when running, or lasting several hours after you’ve stopped

  • Swelling

  • Morning tenderness at a point about an inch and half above where the tendon attaches to your heel bone
  • A general feeling of sluggishness in your lower leg
  • Stiffness in the calf

Treatment

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact our Cromwell office by calling (860) 632-5499 as soon as possible. Our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas will examine your foot and lower leg and determine if your Achilles tendon is inflamed. There are several treatment options available including rest, medication, custom orthotics and braces or bandages that restrict the motion of the tendon.

Left untreated, Achilles tendonitis can develop into a more serious condition where the tendon is damaged or even ruptures. So don’t delay, if you suspect an Achilles problem, please contact us promptly.


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162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416