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Podiatrist - Cromwell
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Cromwell, CT 06416

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
September 28, 2020
Category: Foot Care

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we offer top-quality foot care for the entire family. We encourage our Middlesex County families to be proactive in the health of their feet and ankles. At each stage of life, however, there are different areas of concern we focus on. Below are some tips for every member of your family:

Infants' and Children's Pediatric Foot Care

For babies, the most important foot health tip is to allow your infant to kick, stretch, and freely move their feet. During the first year of life, feet change and develop rapidly. Avoid tight socks and shoes which can be restrictive and affect the shape of the foot. As the child progresses to the toddler stage and starts to walk, you’ll be able to observe their gait. Be aware, however, early walkers may appear pigeon-toed, walk on tip-toes, and do other strange things that are not necessarily abnormal for their age. Your young child may also not appear to have much of an arch until they lose their baby fat. The most important concern in childhood is making sure you stay ahead of fast-growing feet and frequently check to make sure your child is wearing the correct shoe size. If you have any concerns about how their feet look or how they walk, contact our Cromwell office by calling: (860) 632-5499 so our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, can take a look at your child’s feet and determine if anything out of the ordinary is happening.

Adults' Pediatric Foot Care

From young adulthood thru middle ages, good foot care consists of good habits, including:

  • Wearing shoes that fit well and choosing styles that do not have narrow toe boxes or very high heels.
  • Proper hygiene.
  • Eating a healthy diet that helps maintain an appropriate weight and has adequate amounts of calcium for strong bones.
  • Exercising regularly.
  • Inspecting feet periodically and reporting any pain or abnormalities promptly to the foot doctor.

Senior Foot Care

Foot problems are not “normal” as you age! If you’ve maintained good foot health habits in your younger years, you will reduce the number of foot problems in your senior years. However, some issues may require additional attention. Exercise continues to be important, but consider adding a class or activity that helps improve balance to help lower fall risk. Stay current with other medical appointments to detect health issues that may impact your feet in their earliest stages. Be vigilant about hygiene and routine care to prevent many common foot problems.

No matter what your age or stage of life, we’re here for you. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns, (860) 632-5499.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
September 09, 2020

‘Quarantine 15’ is a real thing, and it is impacting children as well as adults. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we want to recognize National Childhood Obesity Month and offer our Middlesex County families some tools to fight this dangerous weight gain trend.

Be Mindful—sitting on the couch with a bag of chips while your child watches their favorite television show is a classic non-mindful approach to eating. Eating while doing something else leads to consuming way more than a single serving. Be aware of when your child is eating and why. Help them avoid boredom eating. If you know they’ve had an appropriate amount of food and snacks for the day, redirect them to a more active pursuit like playing outside or taking a bike ride.

Pay Attention to Portions—know what your child’s daily calorie intake should be (if you’re unsure, check with the pediatrician). Help children use visual cues like the size of their fist, for example, to determine appropriate portion sizes. Check packages to find out what constitutes a serving and then take out that amount to eat and put the rest away.

Build a Better Plate—many children and parents are unaware of what a healthy dinner plate should look like. Start by filling half the plate with vegetables or salad. Then fill one remaining quarter with lean protein and the other with carbohydrates.

Encourage Physical Activity Daily—children should get at least one hour of exercise daily. It can take the form of a sport, an activity like hiking or rollerblading, or free play in the yard. Asking your child to help with more strenuous chores like raking leaves or turning over a garden is another way to burn more calories.

Children who are overweight are more likely to experience foot pain and problems. If your child is complaining of any podiatric discomfort, make an appointment at our Cromwell office by calling: (860) 632-5499. Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, will examine your child’s feet and ask questions about his or her lifestyle and habits. The foot doctor will diagnose the source of your child’s pain and suggest ways to improve podiatric and overall health.

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By Adam Mucinskas, DPM
May 09, 2018

As your child grows and changes, so do their needs and often your worries. You worry they’re getting the right foods, that they’re brushing their teeth, and that they’re washing their hands properly. The podiatry experts here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists know that you’ve got your hands full, so we’re here to help with one of your child’s biggest needs that can sometimes be a mystery: their feet.

Your child’s feet grow rapidly, just like the rest of their body. Follow these tips through their life stages to ensure excellent foot health through adulthood:

Infancy (birth to 1 year)

  • Inspect your baby’s feet. If you notice something “off” or abnormal, give us a call. Foot deformities do not simply correct themselves if left untreated.
  • Let your baby stay barefoot. Shoes or booties can restrict stretching of the toes, causing abnormal development
  • Let your baby stretch and kick their feet. These motions help prepare the muscles for standing and walking.

Toddler (1 to 3 years)

  • Keep their feet uncovered indoors. Walking barefoot lets their foot muscles grow and strengthen naturally. When walking outdoors, their feet must be protected from rough surfaces. Lightweight, flexible footwear made of natural materials are best for their rapidly growing feet.
  • Watch how they walk. Odd walking styles like persistent toe-walking should be noted. If your kid is limping or tripping, it might be a sign that something else is going on too. A podiatrist can help examine their gait to determine if treatment or therapy is needed.

Child (4 to 8 years)

  • Get your kid’s feet measured regularly. Every type of shoe fits differently, so make sure you take your child shoe shopping with you. This gives them a chance to try on all the options and promotes healthy foot habits later.
  • Continue good footwear practice. Your child is more active at this age and participating in more activities. If they’re swimming or going in a locker room, make sure they wear flip-flops to avoid any fungal or bacterial infections. If it’s snowy, make sure they have proper winter boots. If they’re starting sports activities, make sure they have all the right footwear.

If you follow these tips, it will help your child towards excellent foot health as they mature. If you ever have any questions about, your child’s feet, give us a call here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists. Dr. Adam Mucinskas can help assess your child’s feet and set you on the right path. To schedule an appointment at our convenient Cromwell, CT office, request one online or call us today at 860-632-5499.

 

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