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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
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
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 20, 2022
Category: fall prevention

Welcome Autumn! For many, autumn is the time of the year to get back into routines, set goals for the end of the year, and spend as much of the remaining beautiful days outdoors. In alignment with the first day of autumn on September 22nd, is Falls Prevention Week falling on September 18th-24th. Falls Prevention week is a nationwide campaign with efforts to raise awareness about fall prevention for the elderly. Falls present a growing risk to older adults’ health and independence. Many falls can be prevented, and professionals working in fall prevention are making headway in pinpointing and implementing measures that work. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know fall prevention begins with healthy feet, and who better to support you and your feet than a podiatrist. 

Falls among older adults are common: 

  • Millions of people aged 65 and older fall each year—1 out of 3 in this age range.
  • Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults, causing severe injuries, such as hip fractures, head trauma, and death.
  • Every 13 seconds an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall. In 2013, about 25,500 older adults died from unintentional fall injuries, 2.5 million were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal falls, and more than 734,000 were hospitalized. 

Fall Prevention Begins with Healthy Feet

  • Improve your balance by wearing foot braces or custom orthotics.
  • Wear shoes that keep you safe and offer you the support you need.
  • Build and maintain strength in your feet.

Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back from Living the Life You Want to Have

  • Remove hazards from your home. Like, throw rugs, boxes, or cords. Anything that may be in the way of daily walking around your home.
  • A cane or walker can help assist you with balance. Remember to use your cane on your stronger side and to bring it with you when you leave your home!
  • Have a vision and hearing check-up. Problems with vision or hearing can lead to falls. Get your eyes checked at least once a year and your ears checked every other year.
  • Have a podiatry check-up. Problems with your feet can also lead to falls. Visit your podiatrist at least once a year for a check-up and even more often if you have an underlying condition or have been experiencing discomfort in your feet and ankles. To schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas at our Cromwell, Connecticut office call (860)-632-5499 or visit our website.
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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
November 27, 2018
Category: sports injuries
Tags: ankle sprains   injuries   fractures   chilblains  

There are tons of fun and exciting sports to try your hand at during the winter, but unfortunately, lots of those sports can also come with serious injuries! Every year millions of people grab their poles and hit the slopes, lace up their skates and hit the ice, or try out some other new winter sporting activity. As fun as these activities can be year after year, they also come with the risk of foot and ankle injuries like ankle sprains, strains, and fractures.

If you’re making plans to participate in any winter sports this year, follow these safety tips to prevent injuries:

  • Use the buddy system – even if you are an expert, it’s safer to have someone nearby to provide assistance or to get help immediately if needed. It’s also more fun to have a friend!
  • Get the appropriate safety gear – helmets, goggles, boots, and any other needed equipment are essential to keeping your body protected and avoiding injuries.
  • Learn the rules – if it’s your first time participating in this activity, read up on any rules and sign up for lessons to know how to avoid getting yourself hurt.
  • Do your warmups – in freezing temperatures, your muscles are more susceptible to injury. Stretching and warming them up helps in prevention.
  • Dress in layers – insulate your body against the cold to prevent conditions like chilblains or frostbite.
  • Take breaks – in the cold, your body exerts even more energy. Take breaks and allow yourself to recover and warm up.
  • Stay hydrated – drink plenty of fluids during and after sports to prevent cramping and other issues.

You can prevent a lot of winter injuries by staying healthy, limber, warm, hydrated, and nourished during any sports you take part in. That said, accidents do occur! If you hurt your foot or ankle out on the slopes or the ice, call a podiatrist immediately.

If you sustained a sports injury, we’re here for you here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC. Dr. Adam Mucinskas 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