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

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Posts for tag: Plantar Fasciitis

By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
July 31, 2019
Category: sports injuries

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we are firm believers in the benefits of regular exercise for your feet, lower extremities and the rest of your body. Warm temperatures and longer days can make it easier to keep an outdoor fitness activity going during the summer, but the season also presents special challenges. Below are some tips to help you avoid foot and ankle injuries while exercising this summer.

Stretch it Out—most patients know they should stretch before and after exercise, but some are confused as to which type of stretches to do when. Static stretches of the quads, hamstrings, etc. should only be done after muscles are warmed up. Dynamic stretches such as ankle circles or swinging your legs back and forth should be done lightly and briefly before exercising.

Be Cool—avoid working out during the hottest periods of the day. Aim for early morning or early evening when it’s cooler. When you’re done, find a shady spot to wind down. Drink lots of water to ensure that you stay hydrated. It will keep your body cooler and also help reduce the risk of swelling of the feet and ankles.

Get the Right Stuff—be sure to wear the right shoes for the activity you are doing. Flip flops won’t cut it for any type of physical activity other than walking from your lounge chair to the changing area or restroom. Be smart about what you do too. Always start out gradually and work up slowly to a more intense routine of longer duration. If the heat or sun is making you feel unwell, stop.

Deal with Injuries Promptly—if your muscles are sore after working out, icing will usually help. If you have a chronic foot or ankle problems such as plantar fasciitis or weak ankles, talk to our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas about the best types of exercise and the proper footwear to accommodate your podiatric problem. If you injure your foot or ankle, make an appointment as soon as possible at our Cromwell office by calling (860) 632-5499. In the meantime, use the RICE regimen—rest, ice, compression and elevation—to treat your injury until you can be seen by the doctor.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
April 24, 2019
Category: heel pain

Is heel pain making it difficult for you to stand, walk and perform basic daily activities? At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we urge patients to not put off getting heel pain evaluated. There are many possible causes of heel pain and nearly all of them will only get worse – not better – without treatment. Below are some of the more common sources of heel discomfort:

Faulty Foot Mechanics

Frequently, a defect in the biomechanics of the feet is the root source of heel pain. An abnormal gait may result in too much pressure and stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues surrounding it. Muscle and ligament imbalances can cause conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet and heel spurs which can cause severe pain in the heel.

Overuse

Another common cause of heel pain is overuse. Starting a new fitness program or sport too intensely or neglecting to schedule rest days into your workout regimen can result in heel trouble. In children and teens, a condition known as Sever’s Disease results in inflammation of the growth plate area and is caused by too much repetitive stress due to sports. Excessive and repetitive force on the heel can also create a stress fracture in the heel bone or cause another acute injury to the heel.

Disease

There are also a number of diseases and conditions that can contribute to heel pain, including:

To determine the source of heel pain and, subsequently, the correct treatment, you need to schedule an appointment at our Cromwell office so that our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, will be able to examine your foot. Imaging studies such as x-rays or MRI’s may be ordered to give a more detailed picture of your heel. Once a cause is found for your pain, the foot doctor will prescribe the best treatment for you. Contact us today for an appointment by calling: (860) 632-5499.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
April 01, 2019
Category: heel pain

If you’ve been experiencing heel pain lately, you’re not alone. Most people who experience heel pain might not even notice it or may write it off as a normal part of life after a long day! This leads a lot of heel pain sufferers to go undiagnosed and untreated for their heel problems.

What sort of diagnoses can arise from talking to Dr. Adam Mucinskas about your heel pain?

Achilles tendonitis - this is a condition affecting the band of tissue stretching from our calf muscles to our heel bones. Arising from several causes, such as overuse, injury, or as a secondary symptom of other conditions like flat feet, Achilles tendonitis makes it painful to run, jump, climb stairs, or stand on your toes.

Plantar fasciitis - perhaps one of the most common issues seen by podiatrists today is a condition affecting the band of tissue that stretches from your heel bone to all of your toes. It’s primarily responsible for the healthy arched shape of our feet and, when damaged, can cause debilitating pain for the sufferer.

Flat feet - speaking of conditions that go unnoticed in most people, flat feet (or fallen arches) happen when the natural arch of our feet loses its pliability and flattens out. This causes several issues due to our feet losing the support of this arched tendon and can lead to developing plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.

There are several other issues that can arise as a result of frequent or chronic heel pain. The first step is getting scheduled to see a podiatrist at Feet First Foot Care. From there, your experiences and symptoms will be thoroughly assessed and you’ll be provided the highest quality care in the Cromwell, Connecticut area. Don’t wait another day - call us today at (860) 632-5499 to schedule your appointment with us!

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
January 23, 2019
Category: orthotics

Your foot is entirely unique to you, so solutions for any pain you’re experiencing should be unique too. That is why here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC, we offer orthotics that are custom-designed for only your feet. Orthotic devices comfort and support your feet and can help to alleviate a myriad of common foot issues.

Why should I choose orthotics?

Orthotics are custom-made to fit only your foot. They are designed to alleviate your diagnosed condition. That’s what makes them different from shoe inserts you could buy at a drug store. Those inserts might provide temporary relief, but they can’t cure chronic foot issues or biomechanical foot problems. Custom orthotics are also more durable than over-the-counter inserts because they’re made of top-quality materials. They should last years with proper care! Orthotics should be kept in good shape by regularly washing them with lukewarm water and mild soap. Always dry them thoroughly afterward.

What can orthotics help with?

Dr. Adam Mucinskas routinely prescribes orthotics to help patients with foot pain, including those with:

How do they custom-make orthotics?

The first step to addressing foot pain is to visit a foot specialist. The foot doctor will examine your feet, ask you your history, check your gait – the way you walk – and could possibly take x-rays or complete additional diagnostic techniques. Once your podiatrist has found the root of your foot issue, they might recommend orthotic devices. Using innovative technology, your foot is then scanned to get a computerized foot analysis. The analysis ensures that the orthotic device fits your foot and gait perfectly and will address your unique foot condition. Sometimes a mold from a plaster cast will be made to ensure a perfect fit.

Have you been suffering from foot or ankle pain? It might be time to give us a call. Our podiatrist here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, can help to diagnose and treat any foot or ankle issue you might be experiencing. Our conveniently-located office serves the Cromwell, Connecticut area. Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment at (860) 632-5499.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
October 03, 2018
Category: shoes

We talk about the importance of wearing the right kind of shoes often, but did you know that laces are an equally important part of keeping your feet safe? There are so many ways to mix and match shoelace colors, styles, shapes, and sizes to add some flair to your feet. But did you know that proper lacing can help prevent foot and ankle injury?

Shoelace tips

  • Loosen your laces before slipping your foot in. You can stress your foot trying to contort it into a too-tight shoe. It can also wear down your shoe faster.
  • Lace starting from the holes closest to your toes up. This will ensure stability and a solid fit.
  • Pull laces tightly after lacing through the eyelets. Leave no excess lace so that the shoe fits nice and snug.
  • More eyelets generally mean a better fit for the shoe.

Lacing tips for narrow feet

If you have narrow feet, you should lace your shoes using the holes farthest away from the tongue of the shoe. This will provide solid fit and stability.

Lacing tips for wide feet

If your feet are on the wide side, utilize the inner eyelets to lace up your shoes. It tightens the shoe closer to the center and prevents any rubbing and chafing on the outside of your feet.

Why should I bother lacing right?

Lacing right can help alleviate or prevent foot pain and injury. It’s extra important to utilize all of the eyelets provided when you lace your shoes up. Make sure you lace anything closest to the heel the tightest. If you are experiencing Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis, this will help to mitigate any pain you are experiencing in your heel and provide stability and support throughout your day.

Have your shoes been laced up incorrectly causing you a foot or ankle injury? Call our office here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists! Our Podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, keeps up-to-date on all the latest podiatric health issues and utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment techniques. Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment at our conveniently located office in the Cromwell, Connecticut area: (860) 632-5499.

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162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416