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

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Posts for: December, 2020

By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
December 29, 2020
Category: shoes

As the year draws to a close, there are many customs worldwide for saying goodbye to the old before ushering in the new. In Japan, the ringing of 108 bells dispels evil desires in people and cleanse the old year of sins. In Denmark, friends and neighbors throw plates at each other’s doors, symbolizing leaving behind all ill will. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we think our Middlesex County patients should consider an end-of-year ritual to benefit their feet: cleaning out the shoe closet.

Here are some questions to ask to help decide which footwear to keep and which to toss:

Have shoes surpassed their expected lifespan? Stretched out heel counters, flattened arch supports, holes or rips in the toe box, worn soles—these are all signs it’s time to replace a pair of shoes. Continuing to wear shoes with these types of issues can seriously harm your feet. Arch and heel pain, for example, commonly develop if arch support is lacking. It’s easy to trip and sustain a sprain or fracture if shoes are too loose on the feet.

Is the style harmful to your feet? Okay, they may look amazing, but those high, spiky heels with pointy toes pose a significant threat to your podiatric health. These types of shoes force feet forward and squeeze toes together. It can speed the development of bunions, hammertoes, and other toe deformities. It also increases your risk for ingrown toenails. It’s best to look for stylish substitutes with lower heels and wider toe boxes. If you absolutely can’t part with them, at least resolve only to wear them for short periods of time.

Are fitness shoes and sneakers designed for your current activities? If you bought tennis shoes a few years ago but have switched to running as your regular exercise it’s not okay to use the same shoes. Today, athletic footwear is sport-specific in its design, with features that protect your feet during movements associated with the sport. Exercise shoes also have a life span. In general walking and running shoes, should be replaced every 300-500 miles, regardless of their physical appearance, because interior components break down.

Do these shoes hurt your feet? At the end of the day, regardless of style or age, if shoes hurt your feet you shouldn’t wear them! If you need footwear recommendations for styles to accommodate a chronic or new foot problem, contact our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas,  at our Cromwell office (860-632-5499) to arrange a consultation.


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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
December 22, 2020

The winter storm season has officially begun in Middlesex County.  At Feet First Foot Care Specialists we know that means our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, will be seeing more patients at our Cromwell office (860-632-5499) with ankle sprains. Slippery conditions are one factor that increases the risk of an ankle-twisting sprain and other injuries.

Here are 4 easy steps you can take to prevent ankle sprains:

  1. Choose safe shoes. It sounds rather obvious, but high heels and ice are an invitation for slips and falls. But, when you’re running late on holiday errands and need to make quick visits, people tend to forget the icy conditions on the ground! Always wear (or keep in your car) a pair of boots or sturdy shoes that have a good gripping tread on the bottom for when the weather turns bad.

  2. Carry less. At this time of year, with all the shopping going on, it’s typical to have an armload of packages that can impede your view of what’s in front of you, making it easy to miss a curb or trip over an object in your path. Not having your hands free also decreases your ability to balance and break your fall if you do stumble.

  3. Allow extra time. Like our suggestion to choose proper footwear, rushing causes you to overlook potential hazards, moving too quickly can lead to an injury. Give yourself extra time to get ready, and to get where you're going whether by foot, car, or other modes of transportation.

  4. Don’t ignore foot pain. During this busy season, many patients put off getting a foot or ankle pain evaluated. Being in pain can change how you walk because you try to maneuver in a way that avoids the discomfort. This throws you off balance and increases fall risk. Contact us to get foot pain checked out promptly.

We wish all our patients a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!


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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
December 14, 2020
Category: Foot Care

‘Tis the season for shopping, cooking, baking, wrapping, and mailing, and at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know that means our Middlesex County patients’ feet will be working overtime.

Return the favor by taking a few simple steps to keep your feet healthy and pain-free:

  • Don’t Play the Fool with Footwear—shoes and boots with thin, spiky heels and narrow pointy toe boxes are never good for your feet. They can cause bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and other foot problems and should only wear for short periods. Choose styles with wide toe, boxes, cushioned insoles, and good arch support for everyday wear and get to and from any holiday events. Pack your festive footwear and change when you arrive.

  • Relax and Take a Load Off—don’t overdo it! Schedule time between tasks to rest and elevate your feet if possible. Plan ahead so you’re not rushing—this will reduce the risk of missing a curb, slipping on an icy patch, or another potential scenario where you can suffer an ankle sprain or other injury.

  • Stay cool and Dry—it’s easy for feet to get overheated and perspire with the heat on in cars, offices, and stores. Make sure you change your socks if you notice they feel damp. Fungal infections thrive in moist, dark places if your feet sweat excessively.  Dust with an anti-fungal powder, or use an antiperspirant roll-on or spray before putting your socks on.

  • Be Sweet and Give Them a Treat—you’re taking care of everyone else on your list.  Why not consider a little something special for your feet? A relaxing massage, new moisturizing cream, or an anti-fatigue mat are all ways to show you care and increase the comfort level of your feet this holiday season.

If you begin to experience any new foot symptoms or chronic podiatric problems act up, contact our Cromwell office by calling: (860) 632-5499 and have your feet seen by our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas.


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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
December 07, 2020
Category: foot pain

The holiday season means long hours on your feet, and at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we often find more of our Middlesex County patients asking why they’re experiencing pain in the ball of the foot. Pain in this area can be very debilitating because every step you take requires pressure on this part of the foot.

Below are 3 potential causes for discomfort in the ball of the foot and what to do about them:

  1. Capsulitis—inflammation of the ligament on the bottom of your foot is the source of this disorder. The cause of Capsulitis could be poorly fitting shoes or repetitive activities requiring you to bend your toes, like climbing a ladder. In some cases, a trauma or biomechanical problem with your foot can be the source of the discomfort.

  2. Metatarsalgia—there are five bones in your feet that lead to your toes, known as metatarsals. When one of the joints of these bones becomes aggravated due to arthritis, injury, or spending extended periods standing on hard surfaces, you may experience pain in the ball of the foot from metatarsalgia.
     
  3. Sesamoiditis—patients with this condition say it sometimes feels like there’s a rock in their shoe. Sesamoids are tiny bones that are embedded in muscles or only connected to tendons. Two of them are present in each of your feet at the base of the big toe. In addition to pain, if you have sesamoiditis, you may also notice swelling or bruising, and it may be difficult to straighten your toe.

Getting Relief from Foot Pain

The only way to determine the source and treatment for your ball of foot pain is to have your feet evaluated by Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas. The foot doctor will examine your feet and ask questions about your work and other activities that may be putting undue stress on the forefoot. Once the podiatrist knows which condition you have and why he can prescribe the appropriate treatment to stop the pain and let you get on with the holidays. Contact our Cromwell office today by calling: (860) 632-5499.


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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
December 01, 2020
Category: Foot Care
Tags: Gout Pain   Gout Treatments  

If you’ve recently experienced waking up in the middle of the night with extreme, throbbing pain in the joint at the base of your big toe, you may have had an episode of gout. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we see more cases of gout during the holiday season. Find out why and other important information about this condition with the facts below.

  • FACT: Gout is an arthritic condition (sometimes known as gouty arthritis). It is a result of uric acid building up and crystallizing in a joint.
  • FACT: Gout can occur in any joint, but the place it most commonly happens is the big toe. It may be because it is farther from the heart and, therefore, lower in temperature, which increases the risk of crystallization. The excessive use and pressure from walking may also play a role.
  • FACT: The people most susceptible to gout are men aged 40 to 60. However, gout can attack men or women at younger ages as well.
  • FACT: Gout can have many sources. Some of these include diabetes and hypertension and chemotherapy, surgery, stress, obesity, and taking certain medications and vitamins.
  • FACT: For many patients, some foods and beverages can trigger a gout attack. These include red meat, shellfish, organ meats, red wine, heavy sauces, brandy, and beer. These items are frequently featured in holiday meals and increased in cases at this time of the year. Patients with a sensitivity to these foods may need to limit or even eliminate them from their diet severely.
  • FACT: There are a few treatment methods available for gout.

Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, can prescribe medications to help with the flare-up and prevent future attacks. Resting and elevated the affected foot will also be necessary. Drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding known triggers for gout attacks will also be recommended.

If you suspect you may have gout or have additional questions about this condition, contact our Cromwell office today by calling: (860) 632-5499.


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162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416