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Podiatrist - Cromwell
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Cromwell, CT 06416

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
November 28, 2022
Category: senior foot care

As we enter the winter months, our lower extremities need more attention, and unfortunately, because our feet are hidden, they are most often forgotten about or overlooked. Our specialists at Feet First Foot Care LLC want to remind our senior patients to care for their feet with love and care through every stage of life. The foot-care routine we recommend for our senior patients is different than what we recommend for the rest of our patients. This is because every senior patient has a unique history, and therefore a unique treatment plan for their foot and ankle problems. In this blog article, we will myth bust senior foot care. 

Do: Inspect feet regularly. Look for cuts, redness, swelling, blisters, sores, and any changes to nails or skin. Featured on our website, is a patient education section where we share further tips and tricks for senior foot care!

Don’t: Put off getting foot pain evaluated. It’s not normal for your feet to hurt if you’re a senior. The sooner you are able to seek help and get treatment for foot and ankle discomfort, the better the chances are that more serious foot complications will not develop.

Do: Keep the blood flowing. As you get older, your blood circulation to your feet can be diminished. To encourage proper circulation:

  • When sitting, prop your feet up.
  • When sitting for extended periods, wiggle your toes occasionally.
  • Stretch daily.
  • Massage your feet regularly.

Don’t: Forget to moisturize! Seniors need to keep their feet moisturized to avoid itching, cracking, and calluses. Always use gentle soap and put on lotion after your bath or shower.

Do: Get regular foot checkups from your podiatrist. Your podiatrist can identify problems like hammertoe, bunions, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, or wounds before they turn into more serious problems.

Don’t: Let your feet sit in wet or cold shoes/socks. Make sure your feet aren’t moist before you put your shoes on and change your socks on a regular basis. We recommend to our senior patients in the winter to always wear warm, dry, and protective boots and to keep an extra pair of warm, dry socks handy if you go out.

To schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas DPM, call our Cromwell, Connecticut office at (860)-632-5499 or visit our website for more information. 

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
November 22, 2022

Don’t let sore, achy feet ruin your holiday season. Last week, the experts at Feet First Foot Care LLC shared with patients about ways they can give thanks to their feet this holiday season. This week our experts wanted to share ways in which you can help your feet prepare for the increase in activities that are waiting for each of us over the next 2 months. Tis’ the season for our feet to work overtime as we shop, bake, and spend time with our loved ones. 

Here is how you can maintain foot health and support your feet during the holiday season: 

  • Wear Properly Fitting Shoes. When hitting the dance floor and shopping malls this season, don’t compromise comfort and safety. Protect your feet from blisters, calluses and ankle injuries by wearing supportive shoes for the occasion.
  • Don’t Overindulge in Holiday Cheer. Your feet can feel the effects of too much holiday cheer—overindulging in certain foods and beverages high in uric acid can cause painful gout attacks in your feet.
  • Take Safety Precautions If You Get a Pedicure. Reduce your risk of bacterial infections during your holiday pedicure by choosing a salon that follows proper sanitation practices and is licensed by the state.
  • Listen To Your Feet. Don’t let foot pain ruin your holiday fun; inspect your feet regularly for any evidence of ingrown toenails, bruising, swelling, blisters or calluses. If you have any issues, contact your foot and ankle surgeon.
  • Exercise your toes. Toe cramping is a common symptom due to long hours of standing and walking, often in tight shoes. Avoid toe cramping by stretching your toes upwards, pointing and curling them for five seconds in each direction, then repeat 10 times. Do this before wearing your shoes for extended periods. You can do this several times a day and you won't even break a sweat -- but your toes will get good relief.
  • Elevate your legs. Long hours of standing, walking and even sitting can cause the feet to swell, especially at the end of the day. Reduce swelling by elevating the legs when sitting or lying down. Be sure to lift the legs above the level of your heart.
  • Get help – Feet shouldn’t hurt all the time. Persistent foot pain can be an indication of injury, irritation, or illness. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Adam Mucinskas at our Cromwell, Connecticut office call (860)-632-5499  or visit our website for more information.
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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
November 16, 2022
Category: Foot Care

As we reflect on the year, we are giving thanks for several things, for we are grateful. But have you considered giving your feet gratitude as well? There are some basic things you can do for your feet right away. The first thing you can do is buy proper shoes if you currently do not have shoes that properly fit. Wearing uncomfortable shoes that do not fit well can lead to numerous foot and ankle problems, as well as foot injuries and, over time, even foot deformities. If you would like to give extra gratitude for your feet this Thanksgiving season but are unsure where to start or what to do, this blog article is for you! 

Our specialists at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC recommend starting here:

  • Try this simple quiz from The Foot Health Foundation of America that helps to pinpoint any warning signs of foot and ankle problems.
  • Follow these general guidelines to assess how healthy your feet are.
  • Follow these basic foot care guidelines and try to do them every day.

How To Give Thanks to Your Feet

  • T-Treat your feet to a safe and clean pedicure.
  • H-Help yourself to nutritious foods with calcium, vitamin D, and antioxidants. All of which promote optimal foot health!
  • A-Apply a rich moisturizer, to help prevent dry skin and cracked heels. It is especially important as it gets colder.
  • N-Note any foot pain or changes and make an appointment at our Cromwell, Connecticut office to get treatment.
  • K-Kick back and relax – ask your partner for a foot massage or search the web for a foot massager machine. (This can also make a great holiday gift!) Whatever you choose, make sure you and your feet are relaxed.
  • S-Soak your feet in a warm bath - try using Epsom salt and essential oils!

As you start your holiday shopping, traveling, and spending time with loved ones, don’t forget to give your feet some TLC. The best thing we recommend you can do for your feet is to consult with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, if you are experiencing any foot or ankle problems. Make an appointment by calling (860-) 632-5499 or visiting our website. 

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
October 24, 2022
Category: Winter Footwear

The leaves have begun to change and drop. Scarves, sweaters, and boots are pulled from storage to prepare for the next chilly day. But you realize as you look at your winter boots from last year that they actually were incredibly uncomfortable. Don't fret! Choosing boots wisely is a skill that grows through the years and with knowledge! Below, our professionals at Feet First Foot Care LLC have curated the most important tips to be on the prowl for when choosing winter boots wisely. 

How Much Room Should Be in The Toe of The Boot?

There is a lot of leeway with how much room you can have in the toe of your boot. You are fine as long as the flex point of your foot matches the flex point of the boot and your toes do not press against the boot. Your boots should fit slightly too tight when wearing your thickest socks and slightly loose with your thinnest socks. The boots will stretch to your lower extremities as needed if you don't feel any hot spots while walking.

How To Tell If Boots Are Too Big.

Your boots are too big if your foot moves forward in the boot and hits the front when walking downhill, if your heel moves more than ¼ of an inch, or if you have excess laces when you finish tying your boots.

How Should Boots Fit Around the Ankle?

Choosing winter boots wisely can be one of the most challenging parts. The fit of boots varies so much between thick and thin socks, but then you have to consider your ankles. Boots can be loose or snug around the ankle depending on how tall the boots are or how tightly you lace them. You do not want them to be uncomfortably tight. If they are new, don't worry, the leather will soften over time.

How Should Boots Fit Overall?

One way to test how much space you have in your boots is by placing your finger between the back of your ankle and the back of the boot. One finger should fit easily in the space, but the boots are probably too loose if you can fit two. If your toes feel jammed with a finger behind your ankle, they're most likely too tight.

Consequences Of Wearing the Wrong Boots.

You should always ensure that the shoes you wear fit you properly to avoid injuries and deformities such as bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. If you have any questions or concerns, call our Cromwell, Connecticut office at (860)-632-5499 to schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
September 27, 2022
Category: arthritis

Each foot has 26 bones and 33 joints — together, the feet contain more than 25 percent of the bones in your entire body. The lower extremities support us each day in every activity. It is important to pay attention to any pain, swelling, stiffness, or burning in the feet. Arthritis can form anywhere in the feet, but the most common form is osteoarthritis. Getting arthritis can tremendously transform someone’s life, but luckily, through the years, foot care specialists have found ways to treat and prevent the wide range of symptoms that arise from arthritis. 

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Arthritis is a complex disease that encompasses over 100 different disorders. In general terms, arthritis is inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the joints. This is generally accompanied by an increase of fluid in the joints. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between the bones of your feet degrades over time. The cushioning between the bones disappears, and the bones painfully rub against each other. Osteoarthritis usually affects elderly men and women but is more common in women. 

What Causes Arthritis?

The different types of arthritis can be brought on due to:

  • Trauma—to the body or joints
  • Aging— the most common cause of osteoarthritis 
  • Genes—for some patients, arthritis may be hereditary.
  • Infections—viral or bacterial 
  • Occupation—certain work environments that require you to bend or be on your feet for long hours predispose patients to osteoarthritis.
  • Gender—women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis as they age.

Symptoms of Arthritis

The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are:

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Loss of flexibility or regular movement
  • Grating or rubbing sensation

Diagnosis for Arthritis

For an accurate diagnosis, a podiatrist physician will:

  • Review your complete health history, including your current symptoms 
  • Physically examine the movement of your joints
  • Conduct imaging and lab tests to evaluate joint fluid content

An arthritis diagnosis can be categorized into:

  • Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis
  • Degenerative arthritis, such as osteoarthritis
  • Metabolic arthritis, such as gout
  • Infectious arthritis, in the case of patients with Lyme disease

If you are experiencing discomfort in your feet or ankles, call our Cromwell, Connecticut office at (860)-632-5499 to schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas or visit our website for more information. 

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162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416