At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC, we often hear from our patients that they didn’t know if their foot condition was really anything serious, and so they weren’t sure if they should “bother us” for an appointment. Unfortunately, by the time we hear this, the problem has usually progressed to a severe stage which now requires longer and possibly more invasive treatment. Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, would much rather you come into our Cromwell office and find out there’s nothing wrong instead of waiting until you are in excruciating pain or having other difficulty walking.

Questions to Help You Decide

If you’re still undecided about whether or not to call us, below are some questions to ask yourself:

1. Does it hurt? Pain is your body’s way of sending you a message that something is wrong. Often patients make the mistake of thinking that unless it’s severe and constant pain, it can’t be anything serious. Stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis and heel pain are three of many common conditions that may start out with just intermittent pain or discomfort when exercising or doing particular activities. If these conditions are diagnosed early, the foot doctor can prescribe treatment and/or preventive measures to keep the problem from becoming seriously disabling.
2. Did it look like that before? We recommend that patients get in the habit of regularly inspecting their feet to look for changes that can signal a problem. Rashes, bumps, bruises, growths and changes in the skin or toenails can all be the beginning of a podiatric disorder. If you have diabetes, it’s particularly important that you contact us as soon as you notice anything out of the ordinary, since even minor foot problems like athlete’s foot and blisters can rapidly turn into serious health problems.
3. Do you feel something different? Does your foot feel numb? Or, maybe you are noticing a tingling or burning sensation in your feet. These can be a sign of neuropathy or another nerve issue.
4. Is it infected? A wound that begins to feel warm, has red streaks around it or is showing any discharge or pus may be infected. If you notice any of these symptoms, particularly if you also have a fever, contact us immediately by calling: (860) 632-5499.

Is heel pain making it difficult for you to stand, walk and perform basic daily activities? At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we urge patients to not put off getting heel pain evaluated. There are many possible causes of heel pain and nearly all of them will only get worse – not better – without treatment. Below are some of the more common sources of heel discomfort:

Faulty Foot Mechanics

Frequently, a defect in the biomechanics of the feet is the root source of heel pain. An abnormal gait may result in too much pressure and stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues surrounding it. Muscle and ligament imbalances can cause conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet and heel spurs which can cause severe pain in the heel.

Overuse

Another common cause of heel pain is overuse. Starting a new fitness program or sport too intensely or neglecting to schedule rest days into your workout regimen can result in heel trouble. In children and teens, a condition known as Sever’s Disease results in inflammation of the growth plate area and is caused by too much repetitive stress due to sports. Excessive and repetitive force on the heel can also create a stress fracture in the heel bone or cause another acute injury to the heel.

Disease

There are also a number of diseases and conditions that can contribute to heel pain, including:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Neuroma
• Haglund’s deformity
• Achilles tendonitis

To determine the source of heel pain and, subsequently, the correct treatment, you need to schedule an appointment at our Cromwell office so that our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, will be able to examine your foot. Imaging studies such as x-rays or MRI’s may be ordered to give a more detailed picture of your heel. Once a cause is found for your pain, the foot doctor will prescribe the best treatment for you. Contact us today for an appointment by calling: (860) 632-5499.

When you’re dealing with pain or discomfort, it can be tough to sift through specialists and sort out what the initials after doctors’ names stand for. Here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC, we are experts on one form of specialist: podiatrists! We’ve put together some great facts about the wonderful profession of podiatry that will help you sort out if it’s the right doctor for what you’re dealing with.

What is a podiatrist?

Podiatrists diagnose and treat illness and injury in the foot, ankle, and lower legs. The letter DPM after a doctor’s name means he or she is a podiatrist who has gone through years of demanding, rigorous training. Podiatrists complete four years in a medical school and three years of hospital residency. They are uniquely qualified to care for your feet! There are nearly 18,000 practicing podiatrists in the United States, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.

What does a podiatrist treat?

Podiatrists like Dr. Adam Mucinskas diagnose and treat all manner of foot and ankle-health issues, including:

Heel pain

Hammertoes

Bunions

Corns and calluses

Sprains

Fractures

Fungal infections

Sports injuries

Diabetic wounds

And much more!

Can podiatrists perform surgery?

Depending on their credentials, certifications, state licenses, and hospital affiliations, podiatrists typically can operate on the bones, ligaments, tendons, and joints of the foot and ankle after proper consultation and examination.

When should I visit a podiatrist?

If you’re dealing with foot or ankle pain, or if you have noticed any changes in the appearance or feel of your feet, it’s time to make an appointment. If you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, it’s a great idea to visit a podiatrist annually to avoid any of the commonly associated complications.

Here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC, Dr. Adam Mucinskas diagnoses and treats foot conditions daily. If you have a specific concern or are looking to simply maintain your feet and ankles’ wellbeing, it’s time to pick up the phone and give us a call at (860) 632-5499! Schedule an appointment today at our conveniently-located office in the Cromwell, Connecticut area: (860) 632-5499.

Heel pain can seriously impact your daily routine. In particular, plantar fascia (the ligament connecting your heel bone to your toes) is usually the cause of heel pain when it gets weak or strained. If left untreated, it can tear and get seriously painful. Thankfully our podiatrist, Adam Mucinskas, D.P.M., can alleviate this chronic heal pain if you happen to be experiencing it. You can visit Dr. Mucinskas at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC, located in Cromwell, CT.     

With each step, the plantar fascia and other foot muscles work to assist with forces on the arch. Plantar Fascitis occurs when there is frequent stretching in this area causing inflammation at the base of the heel. Stretching, rest and shoe inserts can help alleviate the pain, but those who routinely stand all day for work end up with significant injuries because of the damage done to the heel. Stretching is by far the preeminent treatment for plantar fasciitis as it can help to alleviate weight off your foot until the original swelling dissipates. You can try applying ice to the swollen area for 30 minutes four times a day to reduce your symptoms. Prescriptions for anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen may also be called for; yet, exercises to stretch the plantar fascia are still the best of treatments.

In particular, the following exercises can significantly help to reduce heel pain:

• Stretching toes
• Stretching the calf
• Towel curls

As you can see, heel pain left undiagnosed can lead to severe foot injuries, especially for those who stand all day on their feet. Dr. Mucinskas has unique experience in this area. If you are experiencing chronic heel pain, please contact us online to make an appointment as soon as possible. Take the opportunity to get the very best treatment offered by Dr. Mucinskas today.

Diabetic foot pain can seriously impact your daily routine, especially when dealing with wound care. In particular, diabetic foot ulcers usually occur on the bottom of feet and afflict diabetics. If left untreated, it can lead to infection and sometimes amputation. Our podiatrist, Adam Mucinskas, D.P.M., can help to treat this condition and potentially prevent major surgery. You can visit Dr. Mucinskas at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC, located in Cromwell, CT.    

Diabetic Foot Ulcers are openings in the skin of the foot that reveals the tissue underneath. There are different types that you should know about:

• Neuropathic ulcers cause numbness in the foot. Diabetes generally causes numbing in the foot, and minor cuts can turn into these ulcers.
• Ischemic ulcers result from a lack of blood flow and are difficult to heal due to the decreased blood flow.
• A combination of the above ulcers can result from the foot being numb and experiencing a lack of blood flow simultaneously.

There are several treatments that could help prevent amputation:

• Removal of the infected skin from the ulcer via surgical tools.
• Use of a surrounding safety material such as a removable boot that can decrease pressure around the ulcer. 
• The area around the wound where the Ulcer is treated can be covered with ointments or other special dressings.
• There may be other treatments to help increase blood flow around the ulcer location for those who have reduced blood flow.

For those experiencing chronic heel pain as a result of Plantar Fasciitis, PinPointe Foot Laser Therapy can be used treat it. This treatment is non-surgical, uses non-focused waves and does not require any form of anesthetic.

As you can see, heel pain left undiagnosed can lead to severe foot injuries, especially for those who stand all day on their feet. If you are experiencing chronic heel pain, contact or make an appointment with our offices by calling as soon as possible. Take this opportunity to get the best option for treatment and recovery.