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

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Posts for tag: fungal infections

By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
October 31, 2022
Category: Winter Foot Care

Wintertime can be quite harsh on our feet. Our feet go from warm, centrally heated houses to arctic conditions outside. Temperature changes take their toll on the skin, making the skin dry and prone to cracking open. Dry and cracked skin are the two conditions most people experience on their feet when it starts to get colder. Paying close attention to the skin on our feet and actively preventing major skin concerns is the most effective way to care for our feet during the cold-weather months. 

The most common skin concerns for winter are:

  • Dry and cracked skin. This may even worsen as you grow older because your natural oil production decreases and your skin becomes thinner, making you more prone to dryness when the temperatures drop.
  • Fissures is the medical term for the result of severely dry skin. Common symptoms of fissures include feet getting thicker and becoming callused before they bleed and crack, which could lead to infection.
  • Increased pressure. You may experience this while walking in shoes, but it can also cause cracks on the bottoms of your feet. Cracks will typically appear on your heels, where winter boots and shoes rub.
  • Fungal infections. Skin flare-ups affiliated with Raynaud's syndrome may be more common during the winter months which decreases blood flow and can cause fingers and toes to change color. Painful inflammation called chilblains, causes itching, red patches, swelling, and blisters, are other concerns to pay close attention to during the cold-weather months.

Prevention Is the Best Treatment

  • Practice Good Hygiene. Wash your feet thoroughly when you bathe or shower, dry them well, and always put on fresh socks. These precautions can help you prevent toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, and athlete’s foot. Bonus: Bring an extra pair of warm, dry socks with you wherever you go. Just in case!
  • Moisturize. Indoor heating and dry winter air can contribute to dry, cracked skin on your feet and heels. Use a quality moisturizing cream and take a few extra minutes to thoroughly rub the lotion on your feet.
  • Support. Wear the right kind of winter socks to insulate and protect your feet. Also, wear shoes and boots that are roomy and don’t constrict your feet or cut off circulation. For further tips on finding the right winter boots for you, check out our blog!
  • Safety. Fractures go up in winter months, as do falls and ankle dislocations or broken toes. Avoid foot fractures by wearing boots or waterproof shoes with a low heel and a traction sole if there’s a possibility of walking on a slippery surface. Always wear appropriately designed and fitted footwear for sports activities like skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating.
  • Listen To Your Feet. Worried about the health of your feet this winter? Call (860)-632-5499 to schedule an appointment at our Cromwell, Connecticut office with our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas, 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, LLC
June 14, 2022

Psoriasis is a common, recurrent inflammatory disease of the skin. Lesions are another common and painful sign of psoriasis. Psoriasis can be tricky to identify when it is on your feet, usually disguising as other common foot issues such as athlete's foot and other fungal infections. So how can you tell if a rash is psoriasis? 

Symptoms Of Psoriasis

Psoriasis symptoms are primarily found in areas surrounding the nails, scalp, elbows, shins, feet, and almost everywhere on the body. There are various types of psoriasis, all of which may look different. Some patients may also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes painful inflammation in the joints. The most common symptoms include:

  • Thickened patches of skin
  • Cracks or splits in the skin
  • Redness and scaling of the skin
  • Swelling
  • Blistering

When any of the above symptoms occur on your feet or ankles, it can be especially debilitating. If you have any concerns about the appearance of your feet, don't hesitate to contact our Middlesex County office at (860)-632-5499.

Causes Of Psoriasis

Doctors do not fully understand what causes psoriasis. Most believe there is a connection to an auto-immune disease that causes an overactive generation of new cells in a concentrated area. Particular genes and certain environmental conditions may also contribute to an increased risk of psoriasis. While psoriasis is a recurrent disease, it is not contagious, and symptoms can be reduced.

Psoriasis Treatment

Try these self-care measures to help prevent symptoms of psoriasis:

  • Keep your skin moist
  • Cover the affected areas overnight
  • Expose your skin to small amounts of sunlight
  • Avoid scratching the affected area(s)
  • Avoid anything that may trigger your psoriasis
  • Stay cool
  • Strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle

It is always important to check in with your podiatrist if you have any questions or concerns when it comes to your feet. If you think you or a loved one may have psoriasis and are unsure, we are here to help you at Feet First Foot Care! Our patients are our priority. With advanced technology, our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas can treat a wide range of conditions and provide the best care. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (860)-632-5499 or visit our website for more information.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
October 21, 2019
Category: Foot conditions

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, the health of your feet is our number one priority. One way we encourage our patients to keep their feet healthy is by contacting our Cromwell office as soon as they experience pain or other unusual foot symptoms. This way, our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas can examine your feet and determine if there is a foot disorder present. However, there are many ways you can be good to your feet when they’re not hurting so that they can continue to enable you to live the active life you love.

  • Get your feet professionally measured. Did you know that some studies show that 90% of people are wearing shoes that are too small for their feet? Cramped toe boxes can increase the risk and severity of bunions and hammertoes.
  • Don’t wear flat shoes. For proper alignment and biomechanical functioning, your arches need support. When feet are flat, it causes heel pain and can lead to plantar fasciitis.
  • Wash your feet every day. This simple act can help prevent many foot infections.
  • Keep an extra pair of socks in your bag. Fungi love moist, warm, dark places. When your feet sit in damp socks, you are creating the perfect environment for fungal infections to thrive.
  • Don’t go barefoot. Keeping your feet covered will lower your risk for athlete’s foot, fungal toenails and warts—all of which are spread by direct contact.
  • Don’t file your toenails with rounded edges. This encourages the nail to grow downward and can lead to painful ingrown toenails.
  • Exercise regularly. This has several benefits for your feet. First, it keeps them flexible and helps maintain range of motion. Regular exercise also reduces the risk and the severity of arthritic conditions. In addition, it helps prevent heart disease and high blood pressure which can cause harm to your feet.
  • Skip the second helpings. A lower weight means less strain on your feet and ankles.

If you have health concerns about your feet or questions about being proactive about their health, contact us at (860) 632-5499.

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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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162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416