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

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Posts for tag: foot care

January 10, 2022
Category: Foot Care
Tags: foot care   footwear   Foot Size   Measure Feet  

Each January, we at Feet First Foot Care Specialists recognize a special event: National Measure Your Feet Day. Why devote an entire day to this task? Well, for starters, it's estimated that as many as 80-90% of people are wearing the wrong size shoes. Improperly fitting shoes can lead to many foot problems such as bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and even ingrown toenails. It's also not uncommon for foot size to change as you age. Ligaments and tendons naturally stretch and relax over time, leading to an increase in shoe size. Weight gain and pregnancy are two other potential causes of feet getting larger. So, this month we encourage all our Middlesex County patients to get their feet professionally measured at a reputable shoe store.

Below are 5 helpful tips for shoe shopping to help you get the right footwear fit:

  1. Check-in with the podiatrist. It is especially important if you have a chronic disorder such as diabetes, bunions, flat feet, or Haglund's deformity. Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, will examine your feet and recommend footwear to accommodate your condition. The podiatrist may prescribe a custom orthotic device for specific biomechanical foot problems. It's important to take the orthotic to the shoe store with you and try on with the footwear you are considering.
  2. Shop for shoes late afternoon or evening. Shopping at the end of the day means you'll be trying on shoes when your feet are at their largest, so they'll be comfortable all through your day. The longer you are on your feet, the more they swell.
  3. Get both your feet measured. You may be surprised to find that one of your feet is bigger than the other, but this is common. The shoes you buy should feel comfortable on the largest foot.
  4. Wiggle your toes. The toe box should be spacious and made of a material that allows your feet free movement inside. There should be about ½ inch (a thumb’s width) of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
  5. Don’t rush. Try on both shoes and take your time walking around the store for several minutes to make sure the shoes don’t rub or hurt anywhere on your feet. There should be no “breaking in” period with a new pair of shoes. They should feel comfortable from the moment you buy them.

We hope 2022 is a great year for all our patients. If you have any concerns about the health of your feet or ankles, don’t hesitate to contact our Cromwell office by calling 860-632-5499.

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November 30, 2021
Category: Foot Care

Here in Middlesex County, hunting season is upon us. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know that many hunters do not associate this activity with risk to the health and safety of their feet. Take the necessary precautions to protect your feet this hunting season.

 

Don’t try to defy gravity. Guess what the most significant cause of hunting accidents is? Surprise: it’s not firearms; it’s falling. According to the International Hunters Education Association, 6,000 hunters sustain injuries from falling out of elevated tree stands compared to fewer than 1,000 from guns. Among the more common injuries are fractures of bones in heels, feet, and legs. 75 to 80% of these falls happen as hunters ascend or descend a tree. There are a wide variety of harnesses available to prevent falls.

 

Fight fungal infections. Fungi that cause athlete’s foot and fungal toenails love dark, moist places—like the insides of your boots. It’s a good idea to apply an anti-fungal powder to your feet before putting your socks on. If you wear two pairs of socks, make sure the one closest to your skin is a synthetic material that wicks moisture away from the skin. Keep a spare pair of socks in your pack and swap them out if you notice your feet feel sweaty.

 

Watch where you’re walking. Another common cause of ankle sprains, foot, and other injuries is tripping or falling over sticks, roots, rocks, or other natural materials. Be aware of what’s in your path and be particularly cautious if there is snow, mud, or ice on the ground.

Be sure to let someone know where you are hunting and what time you plan to be back, just in case an injury occurs when you are out of cell phone range. If you do have a foot or ankle injury while hunting, don’t delay in seeking medical attention. Make an appointment at our Cromwell office by calling 860-632-5499. Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, will conduct a complete examination of your feet and ankles and order any x-rays or other imaging studies to determine the full extent of an injury and proper treatment.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
November 22, 2021
Category: Foot Care

It’s that time of the year. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know our Middlesex County patients will be pausing this week to count their blessings.

We want to be sure to include your feet on that list! Here are a few reminders about how incredible your feet are:

  • Feet enable the average person to walk three to five miles every day. In fact, throughout a typical lifetime, a person will walk approximately 115,000 miles or the equivalent of circling the globe four times.
  • Your feet carry the weight of your entire body. When you run, they absorb the pressure of four times your body weight. In fact, in just a single day of walking and performing daily tasks, feet withstand several tons of pressure equal to the amount of a fully loaded cement truck.
  • Feet are sensitive—they contain more nerve endings per square centimeter than any other part of your body.
  • Your feet can warn you about problems going on in other parts of your body. Several disorders may first manifest in your feet, including arthritis, heart disease, kidney failure, hypertension, and diabetes.

Show Your Gratitude

So, how can you express your thanks to these two wonderful parts of your body? Here are a few ideas:

  • Feast in moderation—enjoy your favorite holiday foods in smaller portions and keep up with your exercise regimen. Your feet will appreciate not having additional pounds to carry.
  • Make smart shoe choices—you’ll be on your feet more than ever during the holiday season. Choose footwear that is supportive and fits properly. Look for styles with gripping treads for shopping and errand days to reduce slips, spills, and ankle sprains.
  • Listen to your feet—if they tell you they are hurting, put them up for a while and take a break. If that doesn’t do the trick, make an appointment at our Cromwell office by calling 860-632-5499. Let our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas examine your feet and treat any foot problems before they become disabling.

We wish all of our patients and their families a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
October 11, 2021
Category: community outreach

Each year in October, we celebrate International Podiatry Day. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we think one way to honor this special event is by asking our Middlesex County patients to commit to taking better care of their feet.

Good foot care guidelines include:

  • Wear the right shoes for the activity you’re doing. For walking, running, or other fitness activities, choose athletic shoes—don’t try to work out in your work shoes.
  • Inspect your feet regularly. Be on the lookout for changes in the color or temperature of the skin, growths or lumps, discolored toenails, swelling, bruises, cuts, or wounds that don’t seem to be healing. Report anything suspicious to our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas.
  • Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash daily with soap and water and dry thoroughly—especially between your toes. If your feet feel sweaty during the day, change your socks and consider applying foot powder or roll-on deodorant to the soles of your feet each morning. It will significantly reduce your risk of fungal infections.
  • Choose good-quality shoes that fit well. Look for styles that have adequate arch support, cushioned insoles and heel beds, and a good tread. Get professionally measured to ensure you’re wearing the correct size. Always try on both shoes and walk around in them long enough to know they fit comfortably.
  • Trim toenails properly. Cut straight across and file with no rounded edges. It will help prevent ingrown toenails.
  • Alternate your shoes. Avoid wearing the same pair for multiple days in a row.
  • Don’t play foot doctor. Steer clear of folk and home remedies for conditions like warts and ingrown nails. These can be dangerous and cause injury and infection.
  • Never ignore foot pain. It’s your feet telling you there’s a problem, and it’s not likely to go away on its own. Foot problems have the best outcome when treated early. If you are experiencing any discomfort in your feet or ankles, contact our Cromwell office by calling 860-632-5499 for an appointment.
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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
April 26, 2021
Category: exercise

As we slowly but surely emerge from COVID lockdowns and restrictions, we at Feet First Foot Care Specialists know many of our Middlesex County patients are experiencing unexpected foot pain as they begin to be more active. Your podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, can help you make the re-entry into a more active lifestyle smoothly and pain-free.

Start with A Checkup—the first step is to schedule a podiatric checkup at our Cromwell office by calling 860-632-5499. The foot doctor will give your feet and ankles a thorough examination and look for any developing problems. If you have a chronic foot problem such as bunions or flat feet, the podiatrist will assess their progression and decide if your treatment plan needs to be updated.

Get the Right Shoes—did you know the foot doctor can help you with proper sports shoe selection? Your podiatrist can analyze your gait and tell quite a bit about how your unique feet work by examining the wear pattern on your current fitness shoes. Shoes designed to accommodate your specific foot care needs for the sport or activity you plan to engage in can increase comfort, safety, and performance. The foot doctor can also make recommendations on proper fit, sock choice, and lacing technique to give you the best shot at a successful fitness program.

Practice Injury Prevention—many injuries that are commonly associated with sports ranging from blisters and shin splints to plantar fasciitis and ankle strain. While the podiatrist can treat all of these conditions, he would much rather help you prevent them! Proper stretching techniques before and after exercise can help. Choosing a program that suits your current fitness level and allows you to progress gradually to more strenuous exercise is also a must.

Regular exercise has many benefits to your feet and the rest of your body. If you experience pain or discomfort at any point during or after working out, be sure to contact us promptly, 860-632-5499.

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162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416