(860) 632-5499
Podiatrist - Cromwell
162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416
We have moved!
Stop by and see our new office!
At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know parents throughout Middlesex County (and maybe this year children too!) are beginning to sing, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year,” as the new school year approaches. Getting new school shoes is a tradition and an essential component of good podiatric health for your child.
False—Your feet swell as the day goes on. Therefore, the ideal time to head to the shoe store is late afternoon or evening. Otherwise, you may end up with a pair of shoes that your child says feels too tight after their first full day of school.
True—While shoes can’t usually correct a foot condition or biomechanical abnormality, they can make it worse or more painful. If your child overpronates or suffers from heel pain or another disorder, schedule a checkup with our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas. The foot doctor will examine your child’s feet and recommend shoes that best accommodate their unique feet.
True—There should be about a thumb’s width of space between your child’s longest toe and the front of the shoe. Get both of your child’s feet professionally measured. If one foot is larger than the other (very common), buy to fit the larger foot. Heel counters should be firm, and the foot should not slip out the back of the shoe.
False—If your child is a serious athlete with weekly practices and games, it’s better to buy a shoe designed specifically to support the foot for the movement their sport requires.
False—Function should take precedence over form, no matter how much children beg or whine. Avoid shoes made from plastic, vinyl, or other non-breathable material. Don’t buy high-heeled footwear or entirely flat shoes for daily wear as they will cause foot problems.
If you have further questions about shoes for your children, please call our Cromwell office at 860-632-5499.
It’s the middle of August, which means time to celebrate National “I Love My Feet Day!” At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we want to encourage all of our Middlesex County patients to take some time and show their feet just how much you appreciate all that they do for you. Below are a few ideas:
A scenic hike or walk around the neighborhood with friends or on your own will benefit your feet in several ways. Staying active helps maintain good circulation and flexibility. It also aids in weight management. Carrying extra pounds puts a significant amount of strain on your feet and can cause or exacerbate foot pain. Being overweight is a risk factor for many podiatric disorders.
All the same, ways that you express your love to a spouse or friend will work for your feet as well:
At Feet First Foot Care Specialists we know that during hot summer days and heatwaves, many of our Middlesex County patients complain that their feet swell. It is not unusual and generally not harmful, but it can be uncomfortable and even painful.
1. Wear shoes that are the correct size
If your shoes are even a little tight, swelling is going to make your feet very uncomfortable. Remember your shoe size can increase as you age. If this is a consistent problem, you may want to consider getting your feet professionally measured and consider buying a larger or wider shoe. Sandals and open styles may give feet more breathing space, but make sure the shoes you choose still have good arch support.
Swelling occurs because fluid pools in your ankles and feet thanks to gravity. Periodically putting your feet up during the day (and especially at the end of the day) helps relieve pressure and allows fluid to leave your lower extremities.
While it may seem counterintuitive, drinking more water can reduce swelling. When you’re dehydrated, your body retains fluid. Drinking more can help flush excess fluid from your body.
Feet tend to swell and increase in size as the day goes on. For this reason, it may be more comfortable to do the shopping and other tasks that involve long periods of walking during the morning hours.
In some instances, swelling in your lower legs, feet, and ankles can be a sign of a serious medical condition such as hypertension, heart, or kidney disease. If your swelling seems continuous and is not relieved by the simple solutions above, make an appointment at our Cromwell office by calling 860-632-5499 so that our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, can perform a complete podiatric examination and determine if a more serious issue exists.
At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, our Middlesex County patients may think that we’re a little biased when we say your feet are amazing. If you get to know them the way we do, and all the fascinating facts about the design of the feet and what they are capable of, we think you’ll agree.
Feet are an early warning system for the rest of your body. Often podiatric symptoms that patients bring to our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, indicate problems that stem from disorders in other parts of the body. For example, swelling in the ankles and feet may be a sign of heart or kidney dysfunction. Lack of feeling or a burning, tingling sensation can signal diabetes. Foot skin that’s cold or discolored may point to high blood pressure.
Your feet are complex structures. Nearly a quarter of all the bones in your body are in your feet--26 bones in each one. In addition, the full and proper operation of a foot requires 33 joints, 19 muscles, 10 tendons, and 107 ligaments.
Makes you want to appreciate your feet more, doesn’t it? There are many ways you can take better care of your feet. Wearing good-quality shoes that fit correctly, maintaining a healthy weight, and examining your feet regularly for any changes are just a few. To learn more about being proactive about foot health, contact our Cromwell office at 860-632-5499 today.
Questions or Comments?
We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.
162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416