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

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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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April 12, 2022
Category: foot health

At Feet First Foot Care, we want all our Middlesex County patients to enjoy the warmer weather and maintain a healthy lifestyle comfortably. Every April, the Foot Health Awareness initiative educates people about preserving the health of their feet. It is also the time of the year when people begin to trade in their boots for sneakers and sandals. To continue to keep your body and lower extremities healthy during National Foot Health Awareness Month and beyond, here are several ways you can develop healthy habits and keep your feet injury and pain-free. 

 

Schedule A Check-Up

Foot problems may result from poorly fitting shoes or an underlying health problem like diabetes or obesity. Symptoms may be obvious but, at other times, be less noticeable. If you or anyone you know is experiencing any pain or discomfort in the lower extremities, schedule a check-up appointment with your podiatrist. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, has been specially trained in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions. 

 

Assess Your Current Footwear

Put your best foot forward this month by reviewing your footwear. The average person takes approximately 10,000 steps per day, nearly three million steps per year. It’s essential to find shoes that work for your feet. Shoes that work for you may be different for someone else. When figuring out which shoes work for you, start by asking yourself:

● “Are these shoes comfortable?” 

● “Do these shoes rub my feet anywhere?” 

● “Do I slip out of these shoes easily?”

 

Improve Foot Health

With 26 bones plus 33 joints, our feet serve as the foundation for the rest of our body. We recommend the following tips to maintain proper foot health:

● Inspect feet daily.

● Dry your feet and between your toes after showering to avoid fungal infections. Then, moisturize your feet and heels with a good lotion.

● Stretch your feet, ankles, and lower legs daily to keep the muscles strong and avoid injury.

● Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. Excess weight puts pressure on the feet leading to general foot pain, heel pain, stress fractures, circulatory problems, and arthritis.

● Wear shoes with good support and a low heel.

● Don’t play doctor! If you suffer from a toe, foot, or ankle injury, seek medical attention from a podiatrist. The sooner you are treated, the better your outcome. 

 

To schedule an appointment at our Cromwell, Connecticut office, please call (860)-632-5499 or visit our website for more information. 

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April 04, 2022
Category: exercise

At Feet First Foot Care, every year on the first Wednesday in April, we celebrate National Walking Day. The American Heart Association sponsors this day to remind everyone of the health benefits of taking a walk. Getting outside is an important element in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With warmer weather approaching, we want to encourage all our Middlesex County patients to “step into spring.” There are no running or special skills required. Walking for just thirty minutes a day will improve your overall well-being. Below you will find ways you and your loved ones can celebrate National Walking Day throughout the spring and summer.

Make Thirty Minutes Enjoyable

  • Wear comfortable clothes
  • Take a friend to pass the time
  • Get the right shoes
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Phone a loved one
  • Try and name all the sounds you hear

Other Ways to Walk More

  • Skip the elevator and opt for the stairs
  • Walk at lunchtime
  • Park further away. This gives you more time to walk!
  • Create active family time. Get everyone together for a walk after dinner.
  • Do your errands on foot (if possible)

Maintaining A Routine

Try to take thirty minutes out of your day to go for a walk. Go to a park near you or walk around your neighborhood. Bring your canine pal with you. They will enjoy the warm weather, and it is beneficial for their health as well! Alternatively, wear your sneakers to work and take a walk during your break. Purchasing a pedometer can be helpful to some people (you can see how many steps you can get—then aim to increase your daily average by 500 steps a day until you reach 10,000 steps a day!)

Get A Checkup

Regular exercise has many benefits to your feet and the rest of your body. Podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas will give your feet and ankles a thorough examination and look for any developing problems. If you have a chronic foot problem, he will decide if you need to update your treatment plan. To schedule an appointment at our Cromwell, CT office please call (860)-632-5499 or visit our website for more information. 

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
February 22, 2022
Category: fall prevention

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we understand aging is inevitable, and foot problems could be one of the first signs of aging. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls have become the leading cause of injury among Americans aged 65 and older. Addressing early warning signs can make a big difference in the overall well-being of seniors. We always want our Middlesex County patients to stay healthy and safe. Below, you will find a collection of facts about falling, commonly asked questions, and our best senior foot care tips.

 

Facts About Falling

  • One out of five falls causes a serious injury (such as broken bones or a head injury).
  • Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
  • In 2015, the total medical costs for falls totaled more than $50 billion. Medicare and Medicaid shouldered 75% of these costs.
  • Feet kept clean and healthy helps keep your balance, so falls are less likely.

 

What Conditions Make You More Likely to Fall?

 

What Can Happen After a Fall?

  • Falls can cause sprained or even broken toes and ankles
  • Falls can cause head injuries
  • Stiffness or numbness in legs and feet

 

What Are the Signs “Senior Care” Is Needed?

  • Foot pain that gets worse with physical activity
  • Slow-healing wounds or wounds that don’t heal at all
  • Swelling in the feet and ankles
  • Discomfort or pain that alters the way you walk
  • Tingling, burning, or numbness in the feet

 

Foot Care Tips for Seniors

  • Wear loose-fitting dry, clean socks every day
  • Establish a healthy foot care routine
  • Perform self-examinations between podiatrist visits (note: this is not a substitute for a physical examination.)
  • Keep feet moisturized
  • Keep nails clipped, straight down to the toenail

 

At Feet First Foot Care, establishing a routine visit with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas is easy. Please call our Cromwell, Connecticut office at (860)-632-5499 or schedule online via our website, and our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm.

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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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162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416