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Podiatrist - Cromwell
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Cromwell, CT 06416

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Posts for tag: foot odor

By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
August 31, 2022

When the temperatures rise, our body starts to perspire. With added humidity, the sweat on our bodies cannot evaporate to cool us down as it normally should. Instead, sweat sticks to our bodies. Moisture is a breeding ground for different types of fungus. Think about it- fungus thrives in warm, damp areas. A common question we hear in our office is, “how can I prevent smelly feet?” We’ve curated professional tips and tricks to prevent and treat foot odor. 

What Causes Odor?

Microbes on the skin metabolize with compounds in your sweat, producing a foul odor. When sweat is left behind, specifically in your shoes, it can lead to even more unpleasant effects, such as a continuous unpleasant odor and even infections. 

How To Treat Odor

  • Wash Your Shoes and Insoles. Washing and drying your shoes can help eliminate odor and keep them fresh. High temperatures tend to degrade plastic and other shoe materials, which may shorten the life of the shoes. If you do need to wash shoes, hand wash them cold and air-dry them. If using a washing machine, remove shoelaces, use the cold water setting and then let them air-dry.
  • Store Shoes in A Cool, Dry Place. Cold temperatures inhibit the growth of bacteria and other fungi. Ideally, you should try storing your shoes in a cool, dry room with good airflow.

How To Prevent Odor

  • Thoroughly Clean Your Feet. If you prefer to do this in the shower, it is important to wash your feet thoroughly rather than simply rinsing. Using a washcloth is a helpful way to clean and exfoliate. Use Epsom salt if you prefer to soak your feet in the bathtub. Epsom salt detoxifies and draws moisture out of the feet, removing the fungus breeding ground.
  • Keep Your Feet Dry. It is important to keep your feet dry if you have just finished bathing, soaking, or swimming. The unpleasant odor usually comes from moisture. If you tend to have sweaty feet as the day goes on, keep an extra pair of clean, dry socks in your car to change into mid-day. Choosing socks made of cotton or other moisture-wicking materials will allow excess moisture to evaporate.
  • Use Powder. If your feet are extra sweaty, try using an over-the-counter foot antiperspirant. Alternatively, you could sprinkle a little cornstarch inside your shoes. 

When To See a Podiatrist

If you can’t seem to solve unpleasant foot odor, it’s time to bring in extra help and see your podiatrist. To schedule an appointment with our podiatrist 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
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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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
May 05, 2021
Category: foot fungus

As warmer weather arrives, more and more of our Middlesex County patients are beginning to get out and engage in “normal” activities again. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we think this is an excellent time to give some reminders about a common podiatric problem: fungal foot infections. 

Here are some facts about fungal infections and how to prevent them:

FACT: Foot odor can be a sign of a fungal infection. Other symptoms include red, itchy, burning skin that’s flaky and dry. Fungal nails may become discolored and thickened. Nails may also become brittle and crumbly at the edges.

FACT: Fungal infections are spread by coming in direct contact with the fungi, usually on a surface touched with the feet of an infected person. Wearing shower shoes, flip-flops, or sandals in public places like pools, gym locker rooms, beach changing areas where people tend to walk barefoot will significantly reduce your chances of contracting a fungal infection.

FACT: Keeping feet clean by washing them with soap and water every day will lower your infection risk. Just be sure to dry your feet thoroughly, paying extra attention to the spaces between your toes because that’s usually where athlete’s foot first develops.

FACT: A nail salon that doesn’t follow proper sanitizing procedures can be a hotbed of fungal infections. It’s essential to sterilize all foot baths and all nail tools between customers. If you go to a salon regularly, consider bringing your own tools.

FACT: You should avoid sharing shoes or socks with other people or using nail clippers, emery boards, and any other items that have been in contact with someone else’s feet.

FACT: Your footwear choices can increase your risk for infection. Make sure you purchase shoes made of breathable material and that your shoes allow room for air to circulate. Avoid thick cotton socks and other types that cause your feet to sweat. If you perspire heavily, use a foot powder and change your socks throughout the day if you notice they feel damp.

FACT: Fungal infections can spread if not treated promptly. Contact our Cromwell office by calling 860-632-5499 to arrange an appointment with our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, if you suspect you have a fungal foot infection.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
October 29, 2019
Tags: foot odor   sweaty feet  

We’re all familiar with the children’s Halloween rhyme, “Trick or treat, smell my feet.” At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, however, we know that if you suffer from foul foot odor, it’s nothing to joke about. Smelly feet are the result of the interaction between perspiration and bacteria that thrive in your socks and shoes. Your feet have more sweat glands than any other part of your body, approximately 3,000 per square inch, so it’s not surprising that perspiration problems commonly occur here.

If you are suffering from excessively sweaty and stinky feet, make an appointment at our Cromwell office at your earliest convenience by calling (860) 632-5499. Our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas will want to check on the cause of your foot odor issue. In some patients, an inherited condition called hyperhidrosis may be at the root of the problem. Stress, certain medications and hormonal problems can also increase perspiration production.

In most cases, however, you can get foot odor under control with a few simple, preventative measures:

  1. Change your socks every day and multiple times per day if necessary. A good way to reduce foot odor is by not letting your feet sit in damp socks.
  2. Bathe your feet using warm water and soap every day. Be sure to dry your feet thoroughly before putting on socks and shoes.
  3. Don’t wear closed shoes without socks.
  4. Avoid plastic shoes and nylon socks. These types of materials hold sweat in. Choose materials like canvas and leather or other materials that let your feet breathe.
  5. Don’t wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Allow at least 24 hours for shoes to air out before you wear them again. Serious athletes who work out daily may want to invest in a second pair of sneakers to avoid foot odor.
  6. Look for socks that are made of material that wicks moisture away from your feet. 
  7. Dust your feet with powder to keep dry. You can even try using an antiperspirant stick on the bottom of your feet.
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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
December 26, 2018
Category: Foot conditions

Even with the freezing temperatures we’re experiencing here in Connecticut, are you still dealing with extra sweaty feet? Sweaty feet are typically associated with summer heat waves, but here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC, we talk to patients year-round who are dealing with sweaty feet. There’s a condition called hyperhidrosis that can cause people to sweat excessively, despite the temperature outside!

How do I know if I have hyperhidrosis?

Here are a few clues to look for to determine if you have hyperhidrosis:

  • Your feet sweat excessively all the time. Even in the winter months, your feet seem to be sweating.
  • Your palms also frequently tend to get sweaty.
  • You feel sweaty even when people around you don’t. (Often people with hyperhidrosis have a lower “set point,” that triggers their bodies to begin sweating at lower temperatures than normal.)
  • Feet have a wet and whitish appearance.
  • You often get fungal foot infections (fungi are attracted to moist, warm places).
  • You have noticeable foot odor daily. Odor arises when sweat interacts with bacteria which produce bad smells.

Drier feet can be achieved!

If you think you have hyperhidrosis, get in touch with us today. Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, can examine your feet thoroughly and determine if you have this condition. If you do, there are a number of treatment options available. Hyperhidrosis treatment ranges from medication to noninvasive procedures called iontophoresis, which utilizes a mild electrical current to help reduce sweating in your feet. If you have a severe case, there is a surgical procedure that can be performed. The surgery interrupts the nerve signals that control sweating on their way to the brain.

While you’re waiting for your appointment, there are several steps you can take that will help with your sweaty feet. Try these:

  • Wash your feet daily using antibacterial soap.
  • Dry your feet completely after each wash and apply foot powder or cornstarch.
  • Wear moisture-wicking socks and shoes that allow your feet to breath.
  • Bring an extra pair of socks and change if you notice your feet getting damp.

If you’re dealing with extra sweaty feet or any other foot or ankle issue, it’s time to give us a call! Our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC 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