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Cromwell, CT 06416

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Posts for tag: ankle sprains

By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
December 20, 2021

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know slippery winter weather dramatically increases the number of ankle sprains we see in our Middlesex County patients. However, there are ways to decrease your risk of an ankle-twisting injury.

 

Here are some helpful Do’s and one Don’t for preventing an ankle sprain:

 

Do: keep your driveway, walkway, and the sidewalk around your house cleared of snow. Add salt or sand to prevent slips. One of the most common sites of accidents is at your own home.

 

Do: keep at least one hand free. Holding your briefcase in one hand, a last-minute Christmas gift, and takeout dinner in the other means you may not be able to see that icy patch in front of you. If you stumble, you won’t have a hand to grab something to steady or balance yourself. Always make sure you can see where you are going.

 

Don’t: talk and walk—on the cell phone, that is. Many people have missed a curb partially covered in snow or slush because they spoke on the phone and ignored the path before them or the conditions.

 

Do: wear weather-appropriate boots. Generally, work and party shoes will not keep you safe on slippery sidewalks, driveways, and stairs. Pack shoes you wish to wear at your destination and change into those after you arrive.

 

Do: carry a little kitty litter. Keep a small amount in a sealed plastic bag in your pocket. If you come upon an icy or slick stretch, sprinkle some in front of you for added traction as you carefully walk.

 

If you happen to suffer an ankle injury or fall despite all your efforts to stay upright, don’t delay in contacting our Cromwell office by calling 860-632-5499 for an appointment. Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, will examine your ankle to determine the severity of the injury.

Before your visit with us, use the R-I-C-E regimen to treat your ankle: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
July 07, 2020
Category: Foot conditions

At Feet First Foot Care, we’re hearing from many of our Middlesex County patients that they are taking up the sport of running. The pandemic has made some people re-think their fitness plans, and running while maintaining safe social distance and avoiding venues where there are many other people. We applaud our patients for making regular exercise a priority but also want to help protect them from some podiatric problems that runners often face.

Here are some common injuries and disorders associated with running and how to prevent them:

  1. Achilles Tendonitis—this inflammation of the long tendon that runs along the back of your lower leg from calf to heel is especially common in new runners or those who are becoming active again after a long period of inactivity. Being overly enthusiastic and jumping into long, intense runs without the proper conditioning can result in severe pain to the Achilles tendon. Running hills and sprints can also increase the risk of this condition. Start slowly and increase the pace and duration gradually. Be sure to include stretches for the calves in your warm-ups and cooldowns.

  2. Ankle Sprains—landing the wrong way on your foot and twisting an ankle can happen when you run. If you have chronic weak ankles, be sure the running shoes you purchase will provide firm ankle support. Choose a place to run such as a school track, that is unlikely to have holes, divots, or debris that can cause an ankle-twisting to occur.

  3. Athlete’s Foot—you may not associate fungal infection with running.  However, your feet will be spending regular time in a moist, dark, warm place (your sneakers!), and those are the perfect breeding conditions for bacteria and fungi. Don’t wear the same pair of socks for more than one day and air out your shoes between runs. Practice good basic hygiene and wash your feet daily. Use an antifungal or foot powder if foot odor is a problem.

  4. Heel Pain—the repetitive pressure your heels experience when running can result in pain. If you have flat feet or a tendency to overpronate, you may also have an inflammation of the plantar fascia on the bottom of your foot, which can also lead to heel pain. Additional arch support or a custom orthotic may help.

The bottom line is if you experience any acute or ongoing pain or discomfort after you start a running program, it’s essential that you contact our Cromwell office by calling (860) 632-5499 so that our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, can examine your feet and determine the source of the discomfort before a worse injury occurs.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
September 25, 2019
Category: foot safety

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know many of our young patients are enjoying fall sports. There are many benefits to sports including learning how to be part of a team and getting regular physical activity. It can also be a cause of several foot and ankle problems, however. Below are six tips for ensuring that your child enjoys a safe sports season.

  1. Start the season with new shoes. Each sport requires specific movements of the feet. Today’s shoes are designed to protect feet and maximize performance. Get sports shoes that are made for the sport your child is doing and get them professionally fitted.
  2. Sock choice matters. Choose socks that provide some degree of cushioning and that also wick moisture away from the skin. Sweaty, damp feet are more likely to develop fungal infections. Be sure to bring the socks you plan to use to the shoe store and try on with the sports shoes you are buying.
  3. Insist on safe surfaces. Fields with divots and holes and tracks or courts with cracks in the asphalt are all risks to the health and safety of your child. If playing areas need attention, bring it up with the school or town to prevent ankle sprains and other injuries.
  4. Avoid athlete’s foot in the locker room. Make sure your child has a pair of flip flops or shower shoes to wear in the gym shower. Remind them not to share towels or soap either.
  5. Give it a rest. When children play a sport in every season and do not allow developing bones, muscles and ligaments a break, overuse injuries such as Sever’s disease are more likely to occur.
  6. Get pain checked out promptly. If your child sustains an injury on the field or complains of ongoing pain after practices, be sure to make an appointment at our Cromwell office. Our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas can examine your child’s feet and ankles and determine the best course of treatment.
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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
June 19, 2019
Category: foot safety

As the school year draws to a close, many of our patients at Feet First Foot Care Specialists will be thinking about spending some time at one of our many beautiful shoreline beaches. Without the proper precautions, however, your beach day can be the cause of seriously uncomfortable foot or ankle problems. Beware of these potential dangers and take the necessary steps to keep your feet safe.

Jellyfish—a jellyfish that has washed up on the beach can still sting you if you step on it. If this happens, remove tentacles from the foot. Apply vinegar or baking soda to reduce pain and swelling. Any jellyfish sting that does not heal within a few days will require a visit to our Cromwell office so that our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, can examine the wound.

Fungal Infections—warm, moist places where lots of people walk barefoot are the perfect place for bacterial and fungal infections to thrive. Keep your feet covered by wearing flip flops or shower shoes to the public restrooms and changing areas or you may come home with the unwanted souvenir of athlete’s foot or fungal toenails.

Ankle Sprain or Foot Injury—a game of beach volleyball is starting up. You left your sneakers home but what harm can come from playing a friendly pick-up game either barefoot or wearing your flip flops? Actually, plenty. The shifting sands require shoes with strong ankle support and good tread to prevent ankle sprains.

Puncture Wounds and Cuts—another good reason to keep your feet coved for a day at the beach is to avoid stepping on a nail, piece of broken glass or another sharp object that may be beneath the surface of the sand.

Sun Burn—the skin on your feet needs protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Apply a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.

If, despite your best attempts, you do receive an injury at the beach, make an appointment with us as soon as possible at our Cromwell, CT office located in Middlesex County. Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, can provide you with a fast and accurate diagnosis and the treatment to get you back on your feet.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
May 22, 2019
Category: fall prevention

In May we celebrate Older Americans Month. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, one of our goals is to educate our patients about the best ways to be proactive about their podiatric health. For senior patients, falls are a problem that can cause debilitating injuries like fractures and ankle sprains to the feet (or the rest of your body). You may be shocked to learn that every 11 seconds an older adult is treated in an emergency room for a fall. Below are some fall risks you may have never thought about.

Foot Pain that’s Untreated—when your feet or ankles hurt, it can cause you to alter the way you walk to avoid the pain. This can throw you off balance and cause a trip or fall. This is why it’s essential that you don’t put off seeking treatment for foot pain or other symptoms like stiffness or numbness. If you are experiencing any discomfort in your lower extremities, contact our Cromwell office by calling: (860) 632-5499 so that our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas can diagnose your problem and prescribe the correct treatment.

Medication Changes—certain drugs or combinations of drugs can cause dizziness or lightheadedness. It’s a good idea to periodically review the complete list of medications you are taking with the pharmacist or doctor to find out if there are any negative interactions or side effects that could lead to a fall.

Neglecting Eye and Ear Checkups—poor vision or hearing loss will definitely contribute to your ability to navigate your environment safely. Follow your doctor’s recommended schedule of checkups and update prescriptions for glasses and/or hearing aids promptly.

Lack of Exercise—the less active you become, the more likely that joints will stiffen and range of motion in your knees and feet will decrease. This can cause you to stumble. In addition to your regular exercise regimen, consider a class that specifically focuses on building balance to further reduce your risk of falls.

Inadequate Lighting—stairways that are dim or hallways you need to use at night to get to the bathroom should all be properly lit so that you can see clearly – even at night.

Worn Out Shoes—shoes that are stretched out or have holes or worn treads can be a tripping hazard. Toss shoes when they no longer fit properly.

Preventing falls is just one way to protect your foot health. If you have questions about other foot care issues, contact us today.

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162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416