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

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Posts for tag: sprains

By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
September 06, 2022
Category: Back Pain, Feet

Our bodies are like a chain with one link. Think about what would happen if the first link in the chain was out of position. The point at which it meets the next link would eventually overstress that link and adversely affect the entire chain. That old song, “The leg bones connected to the thigh bone. The thigh bones connected to the hip bone…,” tells the whole story. If you have been suffering from foot pain and discomfort for a long time, it could affect the rest of your body. If you are changing the way you walk to avoid foot discomfort, this could lead to back pain- and vice versa. 

The Connection Between the Lower Back and Foot

The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that begins near the base of the spine, extending downward through the lower extremities, traveling through the hips, buttocks, and legs, before ending in the feet near the toes. If a nerve root in the lower back is irritated or compressed, it can cause pain to radiate along the sciatic nerve to the patient’s foot. The sciatic nerve is what sends the commands which allow for basic movements, such as walking and sitting. When this nerve becomes constricted, inflamed, or compressed in the lumbar spine, often due to degenerative spine conditions that develop in the lower back, the set of symptoms is known as “sciatica.”

Common Symptoms

  • Pain
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Weakness
  • Slower reflexes
  • Muscle spasms

Common Causes

Common Treatment Options

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your feet, schedule an appointment at Feet First Foot Care Specialists. Our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas is board-certified and treats a wide range of conditions. To schedule an appointment, call our Cromwell, Connecticut office at (860)-632-5499 or visit our website.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
January 16, 2019
Category: podiatric medicine

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.

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
June 13, 2018
Category: sports injuries

We’re right smack in the middle of baseball season. If you’ve been practicing your homerun swing this year, you know it can take a lot out of you! Though it might not seem as dangerous as a contact sport like tackle football, if you’ve ever twisted your ankle diving for a ball or suffered a stress fracture rounding the bases, you know how your body can take a beating. There are many common foot injuries associated with America’s pastime. Here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we’ve compiled some of the common ones, along with great ways to prevent them.

The most common injuries in baseball:

  • Sprains and fractures: quick sprints, slides, and pivots are a huge part of baseball. After you get a solid slug, you want to round the bases as quickly as possible to avoid getting tagged out. These herky-jerky movements can often lead to overstretching a tendon or ligament or fracturing a bone.
  • Achilles tendinitis: brief sprints followed by pauses repeatedly can shock your Achilles tendon and cause it to become inflamed.
  • Plantar fasciitis: catchers are in a squatting position for long stretches of a baseball game, often causing their arches to hurt. Heel spurs can also occur from prolonged plantar fasciitis.
  • Ingrown toenails: tight cleats that squeeze your toes together can cause ingrown toenails.

Prevention is key for all sports injuries. To keep yourself in the game, follow these tips:

  • Practice good warmup and cooldown techniques before and after playing
  • Get the right gear and ensure your baseball cleats are a proper fit
  • Learn good running and sliding techniques and always keep them in practice
  • Rest when you need to and let your body recover between playing
  • Stay hydrated
  • Keep up with podiatry appointments, especially if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort

A sprain or slight injury might not seem like a big deal when you’re in the heat of the game, but without proper treatment, it can worsen and potentially lead to a chronic foot issue. If your safety practices have waned throughout the baseball season, now might be a great time to reassess them to ensure your feet and ankles stay safe and healthy.

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, Dr. Adam Mucinskas can help assess your foot and ankle health and ensure your season continues well. If you have sustained an injury this year, Dr. Mucinskas can assess and administer any needed pain relief. 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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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
April 26, 2018
Category: Foot Condtions
Tags: sprains   overweight  

Feet typically swell up because of fluid retention. Fluid retention in the feet can be an absolutely innocuous thing caused by everyday activities, like being on your feet all day, or it can be a sign of something else. There are a wide variety of issues, illnesses, and injuries that can make your feet swell up. Some of them require you to see your podiatrist as soon as possible.

Some reasons your feet might be swelling:

  • Sprains. Even barring noticeable pain or discomfort, a sprain or other injury can cause your feet or ankle to swell up. Even just a slight twist can cause swelling if it happens in just the right place. If it continues, contact your foot doctor.
  • Being overweight. Excess pounds can put pressure on your feet and cause them to swell. A medical professional or a nutritionist can help you find a path to losing weight.
  • Low blood flow. Blood vessel or artery problems can make it tough for fluid to leave your feet. This is especially common if you smoke or regularly drink alcohol. Your doctor can help you quit smoking when you’re ready.
  • Organ disease. Diseases of your kidneys, liver, heart, or lungs can all make your feet and ankles swell, as well as other parts of your body.
  • Medical side effects. Certain antidepressants, steroids, blood pressure medications, or hormone replacement therapies can cause swelling. Always check with your doctor if you’re experiencing side effects from medication.
  • Diet. Sometimes diets high in salt can cause fluid to pool in the feet. Ensure you’re eating a good balance of foods for your age and lifestyle.

If you experience swelling in your feet and ankles, especially if coupled with headaches or other pains, it might a sign of a serious issue. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we can help assess and treat any issues causing swelling. Dr. Adam Mucinskas stays abreast of the latest technologies and treatments in podiatric medicine. To schedule an appointment at our convenient Cromwell Connecticut office, request one online or call us today at 860-632-5499.

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162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416