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Podiatrist - Cromwell
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Cromwell, CT 06416

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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
August 16, 2022

Facing the many challenges of shopping with children can be unavoidable. At Feet First Foot Care, we want all our patients that are parents to feel good about the shoes their kids wear. But is it possible to also have the kids feel confident about the shoes? Of course, it is! Our specialists have curated a few, simple A+ tips for back-to-school shoe shopping. If you have any further questions or concerns, please call our Cromwell, Connecticut office at (860)-632-5499 to schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas. Dr. Mucinskas is trained to find the best course of treatment for every individual. 

  • Examine Your Child’s Old Shoes. Are the insoles of their shoes evenly worn? If not, this could be an indication that your child needs a further examination from a podiatrist.
  • Plan To Go Shoe Shopping in The Afternoon or Early Evening. Feet are inevitably going to be the largest towards the end of the day. Having children try on their shoes at this crucial point in the day will ensure they are comfortable all day long.
  • Don’t Buy Shoes Without Having Your Child Try Them On. This step should not be skipped.
  • Always Buy New. Never Old. A shoe that fits one child comfortably, may not fit comfortably for another child.
  • Avoid Buying Shoes That Need to Be “Broken-In.” Footwear should be comfortable right away. Children outgrow shoes faster than adults. If your child complains about their shoes, try your best to resolve the issue.
  • Continuously Keep an Eye on Your Child’s Feet. Look for any signs of irritation throughout the school year. If you have any questions or concerns, speak with your podiatrist.
  • Get Shoes for The Occasion. If your child enjoys the outdoors, buy shoes that support the terrain. If your child enjoys playing sports, buy athletic footwear.

Bonus Advice

  • Have your children try on their shoes in the socks they will be wearing every day.
  • Don’t pass down shoes to younger children unless the shoes are practically new. This will give each child an opportunity for optimal comfort. Sharing shoes also increases the risk of fungal infection.
  • Ask your children their opinion on the shoes. But take it with a grain of salt. Support and comfort > fashion / trends.
  • Spend more on quality, rather than quantity.
  • Not everyone’s feet are symmetrical. If you find one of your child’s feet is slightly bigger than the other, it is always best to air on the side of bigger shoes than risk irritation and discomfort.
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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
August 03, 2022

From walking to running to driving, our lower extremities brace under a lot of pressure daily. Stretching the feet and ankles provide relief that reaches both physically and mentally. Some of the associated benefits of stretching include improved circulation, improved cardiovascular health, and even a boost in your overall mood. 

Your Feet in Motion

Stretching helps to keep our muscles and tendons flexible and healthy. Stretching also increases blood flow through the body. Having tense muscles and proceeding to complete a workout can have serious adverse effects on your health and can also lead to an increase in injuries. One of the most effective ways to get exercise is to walk. Walking is great for your feet and ankles because it provides a full range of motion by activating all the muscles in your foot. To gain the most from walking, it is important to listen to your feet. Shoes that don’t provide enough support, forgetting to stretch, and improper gait can lead to foot injuries.

Things To Keep in Mind

  • Relax and take your time when stretching.
  • Try to hold stretches for 30 seconds without moving.
  • If it hurts, stop! Pain means that you are pushing your muscles too far.
  • Take time for yourself each day. Whether this means taking a walk, stretching for 10 minutes in a quiet room, or having a five-minute meditation session.

How To Maintain a Routine

This may arguably be the most difficult part. Maintaining a routine can sound like such a drag. But maintaining a daily self-care routine doesn’t have to be. Check out this article from Healthline with 19 toe stretches to improve flexibility and mobility. Once you get in a routine of stretching your lower extremities, you will see increased strength and mobility!

When To Ask for Assistance

If you have any questions or concerns pertaining to your feet and ankles, or would simply like advice– contact our Cromwell, Connecticut office at (860)-632-5499 to schedule an appointment or visit our website for more information. Our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas provides exceptional care to treat a wide-range of conditions.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
July 18, 2022

Poor circulation in the lower extremities is often caused by underlying diseases such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), and a linked condition called atherosclerosis. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. When the blood vessels and arteries begin to narrow, they stiffen up due to a build-up of plaque, which links to atherosclerosis. Both of these conditions cause a decrease in the amount of blood that can flow to your lower extremities. Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. 

Causes

Lack of oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

  • Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness  
  • Numbness or cramping in the legs
  • Skin discoloration
  • Slower nail & hair growth
  • Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes, smoke, or are over the age of 50 are at higher risk for developing symptoms of poor circulation in the lower extremities. If you are experiencing any symptoms of poor circulation in your feet, ankles, or lower legs, make an appointment with board-certified podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas for an examination.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
  • Pain
  • Muscle Cramps

Treatment

You can try to improve the circulation in your feet and legs by:

  • Exercise. Regular movement can increase the blood and oxygen your muscles receive.
  • Cutting your salt intake. This will reduce fluid retention (which restricts circulation).
  • Eating foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent blood platelets from clumping together
  • Try to alternate positions throughout the day. Sitting or standing for too long can also cause poor circulation in your feet and ankles.
  • Avoid wearing high heels. Shoes that do not provide the right support can also interrupt blood flow to the feet and toes.
  • See your podiatrist. A podiatrist can examine and evaluate your feet and ankles to find the cause of your pain. They will also assist you in finding a daily regime that works well for you and your condition. To make an appointment at our Middlesex County office, please call (860)-632-5499 or visit our website for more information.
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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
June 28, 2022

Foot cramps are characterized by painful spasms in your feet that can occur at any time of day. They often occur in the tops and arches of the feet or around the toes. Unfortunately, there isn’t usually one specific cause of foot cramps; numerous things can cause your feet to cramp up. Foot cramps can be frustrating and painful, and they don’t have to be the “end-all.” 

What Causes Foot Cramps?

Several different conditions or triggers can cause cramps in your feet, including:

  • Shoes that are too tight
  • Dehydration
  • Overexertion
  • Low levels of potassium
  • Nerve damage
  • Poor circulation
  • Certain medications

Treatments

If you or anyone you know is experiencing one of the following triggers or conditions causing foot cramps, a podiatrist will recommend the best course of treatment. At home, preventative measures include:

  • Shoes that are too tight. You may need to switch shoe styles or brands and add supportive insoles or arch supports to ease the cramping. Custom orthotics are also available when needed.
  • Dehydration. For mild dehydration, drink lots of extra water and add an electrolyte drink to help replenish fluids. Try making this delicious electrolyte drink at home.
  • Overexertion. Working the muscles in your feet too hard may make them vulnerable to cramping.
  • Low levels of potassium. If you are experiencing low potassium, calcium, or magnesium levels, causing your foot cramps, your doctor will suggest supplementation.
  • Nerve damage. If nerve damage is the reason you are experiencing painful foot cramps, your doctor will pinpoint the reason this has occurred. Treatments such as pain relief medications, physical therapy, and in more severe cases, surgery have helped relieve symptoms of foot cramps.
  • Poor circulation. Poor circulation can cut the proper nutrients off your extremities and make your feet cramp. Talk with a podiatrist to discuss the best measures of relief.
  • Certain medications. If your podiatrist determines that a medication may be causing foot cramps, they will evaluate the side effects and weigh the options of different medications.

Takeaway

As part of Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we want our patients to feel safe to discuss any concerns they may be having. At our Middlesex County office, we offer a range of advanced technologies, including PinPointe Laser, Digital X-Ray, Electronic Medical Records, Patient Portal for Home Access To Your Medical Records, and Online Appointment Requests. Emergency appointments are always seen on the same day. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, call our office at (860)-632-5499 or visit our website for more information.

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162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416