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

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Posts for: June, 2020

By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
June 29, 2020
Category: arthritis

Did you know that nearly 300,000 children and teens in the U.S. suffer from some form of arthritis? At Feet First Foot Care Specialists we want to bring this to the attention of our Middlesex County patients and share some information about this disease. Juvenile arthritis (JA) is an umbrella term that refers to inflammatory and rheumatic diseases. Unlike arthritis in adults, which is most commonly caused by wear and tear on the joints, juvenile arthritis is most often an autoimmune or autoinflammatory condition. What exactly causes JA is still unknown at this point. Research seems to indicate certain genes that are activated by a virus, bacteria, or other external factors may be responsible.

What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms most traditionally associated with arthritis—joint pain and stiffness—are also a sign of JA. If your child experiences any joint discomfort, or you notice redness or feelings of heat surrounding a joint in the foot or ankle, it’s important that you make an appointment with our Cromwell office by calling (860) 632-5499 as soon as possible.

Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, will conduct a complete physical examination of your child’s feet and ankles and also get a medical history. He may also ask if your child has had any other symptoms that can be associated with JA, including:

  • Skin changes and rashes
  • Eye discomfort—redness, dryness, sensitivity to light and vision changes
  • Digestive problems
  • Feeling tired or rundown
  • Loss of appetite
  • High fever
  • Shortness of breath

The foot doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist if he suspects a possibility of JA. Fortunately, with early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, it is possible to achieve remission. JA treatment plans may include a combination of medication, physical activity, healthy eating, and complementary therapies.

To learn more, go to https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/juvenile-arthritis.

If you have additional questions about podiatric symptoms your child is experiencing, contact us today. 


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

At Feet First Foot Care, if you’re plagued with toe cramps, we know it’s no small matter. In most cases, toe cramps are not medically serious, but they certainly can be extremely painful and make it difficult to do most anything until they subside.

Here are three common causes of this pesky condition:

  1. Over/under exertion—ironically, toe cramps can be caused by either too much or too little physical activity. For many of our Middlesex County patients, the last three months spent at home to prevent the spread of COVID have resulted in an increase in foot pain due to re-entry into normal activity once again. If the onset of toe cramps is recent, this may be the reason. If, however, your activity level is normally low and that hasn’t changed, toe cramps may also be the result of little or no exercise. In either case, a steady amount of physical activity and some gentle stretching and flexing of the toes should help.

  2. Weight Gain—are you one of those people who has noticed the unwelcome side effect of being stuck at home?  Is the needle on the scale creeping upward? If so, you’re not alone. Extra pounds put a substantial strain on your feet and knees.  However—every pound you gain puts an additional 3 to 5 pounds of pressure on your lower extremities.

  3. Loss of Electrolytes—dehydration and a lack of certain minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium can also cause cramping in your toes and also your lower legs. Try water or sports drink that is infused with electrolytes. To make sure you’re getting enough water every day, fill a half-gallon container in the morning and try to finish it before the day is over.

If none of these solutions seem to help with your toe cramps, contact our Cromwell office by calling (860) 632-5499 to make an appointment with our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, to rule out any other medical conditions.


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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
June 15, 2020
Category: Diabetic Foot Care

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know that our Middlesex County patients are ready to enjoy some summer fun after months of being stuck inside with the coronavirus pandemic. One particular part of our patient population, however, that needs to take extra precautions to protect their feet during the summer months is people with diabetes. Neuropathy (or nerve damage) is a common condition associated with diabetes that can decrease your ability to accurately perceive pain, itchiness, and other sensations in your feet that would signal a potential injury or problem.

Here are four podiatric problems to look out for that have an increased risk during the summer months.

  1. Sunburn—people often forget about their feet when it comes to sun exposure. If you are wearing sandals or other open-style shoes that expose the skin on your feet, it’s essential that you apply sunscreen even if you are only going out for a short while to shop or walk the dog. When spending time at the pool or beach, remember to be generous with the sunscreen on the tops and soles of your feet and reapply every time you go in the water.

  2. Blisters—excessive perspiration increases the friction between feet and footwear and raises the risk for blisters to form. Watch for signs of redness in places where straps rub on your heel or forefoot and also the space between your toes if you are wearing flip-flops. Carrying a piece of moleskin with you and apply to any area that feels sore or looks like it’s getting red.

  3. Fungal Infections—summer brings more opportunities for people to walk barefoot. This greatly increases the risk for transmitting fungal toenails, athlete’s foot, and other infections which are spread by direct contact. Keep your feet covered if you have diabetes. This will also help protect against cuts and puncture wounds.

  4. Corns—if you have a bunion, hammertoe, or other deformities, you could be in danger of developing corns on parts of your toes or feet that have increased pressure from your shoes. With the switch over to summer styles, check frequently to be sure no damage is being done to the skin on your feet.

Inspecting your feet daily is the best way to detect a foot problem before it develops into a potential medical threat. If you notice anything unusual or concerning, don’t hesitate to contact our Cromwell office by calling (860) 632-5499 to make an appointment with our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to caring for your feet if you have diabetes.


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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
June 08, 2020
Category: Foot Care
Tags: beach day   spf   protect foot skin  

In Connecticut, state beaches are open, and at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know our Middlesex County patients are most likely happy to hear it. After a long period of home confinement, it will be good to get out and enjoy some fun in the sun. Before you go, check the status of the beaches and get safety tips from the state here. You’ll also want to take a few precautions to protect your feet as well.

  • Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher before you get to the beach. Remember to re-apply every two hours, and each time after you come out of the water. Don’t forget the bottoms of your feet as well if you are spending time sitting out on a beach blanket.
  • Wear shoes to get to your spot. As inviting as the sand looks, it can be extremely hot, especially if the sun is high in the sky and the sand has been absorbing that warmth for several hours. The same goes for asphalt in the parking lot.
  • Bring sneakers for active play. If beach volleyball or a long walk down the shore is part of your plan, wear the right footwear. Sand shifts making it difficult to avoid wrenching your ankle if you are wearing flip-flops. Sneakers will also prevent injuries and puncture wounds from sharp objects buried in the sand.
  • Keep your feet covered in restrooms and changing areas. Damp surfaces where other people walk barefoot are the most likely place to catch a fungal infection like athlete’s foot. Most foot infections are spread by direct contact.
  • Watch out for jellyfish. Even jellyfish that have washed up on the shore can still sting you if you step on them. Bring along some baking soda or vinegar to help relieve the sting if you accidentally come in contact with one. Most of the time a jellyfish sting will heal within a few days. If it doesn’t, or you sustain another foot injury, contact our Cromwell office by calling (860) 632-5499 to make an appointment with our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas to get the necessary treatment.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
June 01, 2020
Category: Foot Care

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know that our Middlesex County patients have put a lot of life on hold during the stay at home phase of COVID 19. Now that the state is starting to re-open, it’s time to take care of some podiatric health care issues that may have taken a back seat in recent months. 

Get Necessary Medical Care

If you suffer from an ongoing condition such as diabetes, arthritis, or plantar fasciitis, it’s important that you get any care, treatments, or preventive checkups that were postponed during the pandemic. Delaying podiatric healthcare can have serious long-term consequences. Contact our Cromwell office by calling (860) 632-5499 to make an appointment with our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, to get the care you need.

Re-Boot Your Fitness Plan

If you spent most of the stay at home time in your home office chair or on the couch, your level of physical activity might have decreased significantly. Pair that with some “comfort eating,” and you’ve got a recipe for getting out of shape quickly. Deliberately re-starting your exercise regimen can help you both physically and mentally. It all starts in your head. Visualize your fitness goals and then decide if you want to go back to a familiar routine or try something new. If you’ve been inactive for a while, remember to start up slowly and don’t neglect warm-ups and stretches to prevent foot and ankle injuries.

Check Your Shoes

Buying new shoes may have been low on your priority list for the last few months, but one of the top causes of foot pain is wearing shoes that are worn out or don’t fit properly. Inventory your shoe closet and get rid of shoes that are stretched out, damaged, or show other signs of wear. Don’t forget to check your workout shoes as well.

If you start to experience any new foot or ankle pain, contact us promptly, 860-632-5499


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162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416