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

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Posts for: June, 2022

By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
June 28, 2022

Foot cramps are characterized by painful spasms in your feet that can occur at any time of day. They often occur in the tops and arches of the feet or around the toes. Unfortunately, there isn’t usually one specific cause of foot cramps; numerous things can cause your feet to cramp up. Foot cramps can be frustrating and painful, and they don’t have to be the “end-all.” 

What Causes Foot Cramps?

Several different conditions or triggers can cause cramps in your feet, including:

  • Shoes that are too tight
  • Dehydration
  • Overexertion
  • Low levels of potassium
  • Nerve damage
  • Poor circulation
  • Certain medications

Treatments

If you or anyone you know is experiencing one of the following triggers or conditions causing foot cramps, a podiatrist will recommend the best course of treatment. At home, preventative measures include:

  • Shoes that are too tight. You may need to switch shoe styles or brands and add supportive insoles or arch supports to ease the cramping. Custom orthotics are also available when needed.
  • Dehydration. For mild dehydration, drink lots of extra water and add an electrolyte drink to help replenish fluids. Try making this delicious electrolyte drink at home.
  • Overexertion. Working the muscles in your feet too hard may make them vulnerable to cramping.
  • Low levels of potassium. If you are experiencing low potassium, calcium, or magnesium levels, causing your foot cramps, your doctor will suggest supplementation.
  • Nerve damage. If nerve damage is the reason you are experiencing painful foot cramps, your doctor will pinpoint the reason this has occurred. Treatments such as pain relief medications, physical therapy, and in more severe cases, surgery have helped relieve symptoms of foot cramps.
  • Poor circulation. Poor circulation can cut the proper nutrients off your extremities and make your feet cramp. Talk with a podiatrist to discuss the best measures of relief.
  • Certain medications. If your podiatrist determines that a medication may be causing foot cramps, they will evaluate the side effects and weigh the options of different medications.

Takeaway

As part of Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we want our patients to feel safe to discuss any concerns they may be having. At our Middlesex County office, we offer a range of advanced technologies, including PinPointe Laser, Digital X-Ray, Electronic Medical Records, Patient Portal for Home Access To Your Medical Records, and Online Appointment Requests. Emergency appointments are always seen on the same day. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, call our office at (860)-632-5499 or visit our website for more information.


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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
June 22, 2022
Category: Foot Care

Every June, we celebrate Men's Health Month, a national observance used to raise awareness about health care for men. The focus is on encouraging boys, men, and their families to implement and practice healthy living. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on average, men in the United States die 5 years earlier than women and die at higher rates from the three leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries. The hustle and bustle of everyday life cause many health problems among men. Due to a lack of awareness and education, many men do not come out with their problems and seek professional help. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, our patients are our priority. We want to remind everyone of the importance of taking care of oneself. Below are suggestions for observing Men's Health Month (regardless of age or sex). 

  1. Tweak Your Diet. Cut back on alcohol this month or up your intake of healthy fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi. Find a new heart-healthy recipe and try using fresh herbs.
  2. Cultivate New Habits. Set small, achievable goals and work with your doctor to make them a reality.
  3. Get Educated on The Topic. It is an excellent opportunity to read about the common health issues specific to men. Check out the CDC for information on health issues that men face. Or check out more of our blog articles for further details.
  4. Go For a Nature Walk. It is one of the best free-of-cost health initiatives. Call a friend or go on a solo walk—anything to get your heart pumping and fresh air in your lungs.
  5. Protect Your Feet in Public. Public locker rooms and showers are hot spots for bacteria because of the warm and humid environment. Always make sure to wear shower sandals that can protect your feet from exposure to bacteria. It is also true for walking barefoot.
  6. Avoid Injury. Active men and women face the risk of ankle and foot injuries. Therefore, paying close attention to how your feet and ankles feel is essential. Do your shoes fit comfortably? Are you taking care of your feet? If you have any questions or concerns concerning your feet or ankles, Feet First Foot Care specialists are here to help! Call our Middlesex County office to schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas. 
  7. Cleanse Feet Daily. Washing feet daily is not only the best way to eliminate unpleasant foot odor but also the best way to prevent many common fungal infections, including athlete's foot. Exfoliating the feet can help remove bacteria and dirt buildup. Most people think exfoliation is only for women who want smooth and beautiful skin, but it's just as good for men. It's best to do it at least once or twice a week with a good quality scrub to keep your feet healthy.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
June 14, 2022

Psoriasis is a common, recurrent inflammatory disease of the skin. Lesions are another common and painful sign of psoriasis. Psoriasis can be tricky to identify when it is on your feet, usually disguising as other common foot issues such as athlete's foot and other fungal infections. So how can you tell if a rash is psoriasis? 

Symptoms Of Psoriasis

Psoriasis symptoms are primarily found in areas surrounding the nails, scalp, elbows, shins, feet, and almost everywhere on the body. There are various types of psoriasis, all of which may look different. Some patients may also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes painful inflammation in the joints. The most common symptoms include:

  • Thickened patches of skin
  • Cracks or splits in the skin
  • Redness and scaling of the skin
  • Swelling
  • Blistering

When any of the above symptoms occur on your feet or ankles, it can be especially debilitating. If you have any concerns about the appearance of your feet, don't hesitate to contact our Middlesex County office at (860)-632-5499.

Causes Of Psoriasis

Doctors do not fully understand what causes psoriasis. Most believe there is a connection to an auto-immune disease that causes an overactive generation of new cells in a concentrated area. Particular genes and certain environmental conditions may also contribute to an increased risk of psoriasis. While psoriasis is a recurrent disease, it is not contagious, and symptoms can be reduced.

Psoriasis Treatment

Try these self-care measures to help prevent symptoms of psoriasis:

  • Keep your skin moist
  • Cover the affected areas overnight
  • Expose your skin to small amounts of sunlight
  • Avoid scratching the affected area(s)
  • Avoid anything that may trigger your psoriasis
  • Stay cool
  • Strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle

It is always important to check in with your podiatrist if you have any questions or concerns when it comes to your feet. If you think you or a loved one may have psoriasis and are unsure, we are here to help you at Feet First Foot Care! Our patients are our priority. With advanced technology, our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas can treat a wide range of conditions and provide the best care. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (860)-632-5499 or visit our website for more information.


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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
June 06, 2022
Category: fitness tips

Annually on the first Wednesday in June, at Feet First Foot Care, we run united and celebrate Global Running Day. By submitting your name to the Global Running Day website, you can participate and pledge to participate in a running activity. It doesn’t matter how fast or well you can run. Global Running Day is all about getting your body moving! With summer right around the corner, this is a great time to get your heart pumping.

10 Ways to Celebrate Global Running Day

  1. Start a Summer Goal Bucket List. It can be fun to do by yourself or with others! Write down running goals and places you want to run this summer.
  2. Buy New Socks and Shoes. Maybe not the most exciting activity but treating yourself to the right socks and shoes make a difference in your overall health. If you are ever unsure what the best choice for you is, speak with your podiatrist.
  3. Make a New Running Playlist. Collect your favorite motivational songs or play an audiobook on your next run.
  4. Run With a Friend or Loved One. Having support or someone to talk with can make the time pass! Schedule time with a friend or loved one to check off a summer goal. Alternatively, call a loved one during your beginning walk or stretch.
  5. Join a Virtual 5k Run. Amby Burfoot once said, “As we run, we become.” Join one of the many free virtual runs to celebrate Global Running Day.
  1. Support an Organization. Consider supporting a running-based organization or any other organization that is meaningful to you through donations or volunteer time.
  2. Run With Your Dog. Going on a run with your dog is excellent for your dog’s overall health and your own. Benefits of running with your dog include increased mental sharpness, heart-strengthening, and anxiety and stress release. Plus, your dog is the humblest training partner.
  3. Build a Running Habit That Sticks. Set a specific date and time for your next run to strengthen your running habit. Bonus: Plan a reward for after your run that you can look forward to.
  4. Make Sure to Stretch. Flexibility is important to maintain healthy movement in the joints. Stretching can help prevent injury, increase the range of motion in the joints, and even decrease muscle soreness.
  5. Visit Your Podiatrist. Having a regular checkup with your podiatrist is important in maintaining healthy feet and ankles. At Feet First Foot Care, we provide the best foot and ankle care to Cromwell, Middletown, Portland, Glastonbury, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Berlin, Newington, Hartford, and the surrounding area. To schedule an appointment at our Cromwell, Connecticut office with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas call (860)-632-5499 or visit our website.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
June 01, 2022
Category: Foot Care

As the temperature increases, the excitement for summer plans also grows. But after months of wearing heavy socks and boots, the thought of exposing your feet can be intimidating. At Feet First Foot Care, we want all our patients to feel comfortable in their skin, year-round! Below we have curated tips and tricks to prep your feet for all the summer fun.

Tips To Prevent Foot Predicaments 

  1. Limit Walking Barefoot- Walking barefoot increases the risk of foot injuries, sunburn, as well as other infections.
  2. Apply Sunscreen- The tops of the feet and ankles are vulnerable to the sun. Apply sunscreen to your feet regularly and make sure to re-apply sunscreen after being in the water or after extended periods outdoors where your feet are exposed to the sun.
  3. Stay Hydrated- The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is:
    1. About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men.
    2. About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women.

Top Tips for Sandal Ready Feet

  • Soak your feet for 5 minutes using warm, salty water, and take time to relax.
  • Exfoliate- Buff any areas of your feet with a pumice stone or handheld buffer, focusing on gently exfoliating areas with any calluses.
  • Trim Your Toenails- Keeping toenails trimmed is important in any foot care regime. Overgrown toenails cause an array of problems.
  • Moisturize daily - Foot lotions and creams lock in moisture, leaving the skin of your feet feeling soft. Moisturizing daily will also help prevent further cracking that is usually due to dry skin.

On-The-Go-Foot Care Kit

  1. Sterile Bandages- To protect minor cuts and scrapes.
  2. Antibiotic Cream- To treat any skin injury.
  3. Blister Pads or Moleskin- To protect against blisters.
  4. Sunscreen- To protect yourself from the sun (the higher the SPF the better).
  5. Aloe Vera- To relieve sunburns (you can also grow your aloe vera plant at home).
  6. Motrin or Advil- Anti-inflammatory.

In Case of Emergency

In case of a foot emergency, call your podiatrist. Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas is specially trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. To schedule an appointment at our Middlesex County office call (860)-632-5499 or visit our website for more information.

 

 


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162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416