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

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February 14, 2022
Category: Foot Care

In general, it is always important that one takes precautions to avoid foot and ankle injuries. However, this can be even more difficult during the cold winter months. During this season at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we see the number of injuries to the lower extremities increase due to weather-related accidents. From poor circulation and frostbite to broken toes, the severity of damage can vary. However, by taking proper preventative measures, the chances of reducing weather-related injuries decreases. We want all our Middlesex County patients to have a healthy, comfortable, and safe winter. Below are five ways you can keep your feet happy while still enjoying all your favorite winter activities!

  1. Stay Informed.

The more you know, the safer you are. Luckily, at Feet First Foot Care, we have all the helpful information you may be looking for. Underlying pain from conditions such as Peripheral Arterial Disease and varicose veins can feel worse when the temperatures are below freezing. For folks over the age of 50, stiffness and soreness in the legs can be directly linked to arthritis. If you’re interested in learning more, we highly recommend you check out our blog!

  1. Wear Protective Shoes.

Fashionable women’s winter boots can be trendy and stylish but are dangerous on snow- and ice-covered surfaces. Depending on how you lose your balance, falls from unsafe winter boots can lead to several injuries. Even if they are your favorite pair when your shoes are old and worn out, the layer of insulation between your feet and the elements is much less. It can cause your feet to become very cold and even wet. Replace worn-out and unstable shoes as soon as possible.

  1. Watch For Ice and Snow.

Use caution when traveling outdoors, and always keep an eye out for ice and snow patches while walking. Keep areas around doorways well-lit so that icy patches are visible. Always check for slippery spots before stepping out of the car or walking up and downstairs. Wear shoes with a thick high traction sole that can prevent slipping.

  1. Keep Your Feet Dry.

Wet and cold feet may not only be a terrible feeling but one of the worst things for overall foot health. It can also lead to fungal infections like athletes foot. Wearing moisture-wicking socks will help keep feet dry internally from sweat. Water-resistant boots will help keep feet dry externally from the outside elements. Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in temperature and color.

  1. Get The Right Help.

Nothing is more important than having a regular checkup with a podiatrist. Every six months to one year is an ideal timeline for a checkup for people with well-managed foot issues. Listen to your feet, and don’t ignore pain. If you experience any persistent pain, don’t hesitate to call our Cromwell, Connecticut office at (860) 632-5499 to schedule an appointment with our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas. 

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By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
January 25, 2021
Category: Foot Care

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know that many of our Middlesex County families love winter sports activities like sledding, ice skating, and snowboarding. Cold-weather fun outdoors is COVID safe and comfortable to have at a socially safe distance. To ensure that your family minimizes the risk of injury and winter weather-related injuries, follow the tips below:

  • Protect feet, hands, and the rest of the body from frostbite by layering. Start with a pair of socks made of a material that wicks moisture away from the skin, and then add woolen socks for extra warmth. Check skin frequently. If it appears white or your child complains of numbness, these could be the beginning signs of frostbite. Get them inside immediately to warm up.
  • Check that boots and skates fit. Properly fitting footwear helps avoid blisters, ankle sprains, and foot pain. If you or a family member skate frequently, be aware of Haglund’s deformity—an enlarged bony protrusion at the back of your heel that can be aggravated by the high-back of skates.
  • Stay tuned to the weather forecast. Temperatures can drop rapidly, and snowstorms can come up suddenly, impeding vision and increasing the risk of an injury.
  • Match the activity to current fitness levels. With the pandemic, many people have experienced a drop in their fitness level. If this is true in your family, be aware that muscle fatigue may occur more quickly than you’d expect. Being fatigued makes it more likely to sustain an injury. Call it quits if someone is getting tired.
  • Stay hydrated! Water breaks provide a rest opportunity as well.
  • Get injuries checked promptly. If any family member injures their ankle or feet or is experiencing pain after participating in a winter sport, don’t delay seeking treatment. Contact our Cromwell office promptly by calling 860-632-5499 to set up an appointment. Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, will do a complete examination and diagnose any podiatric problems so you and your family can get back to enjoying the best fun winter has to offer!
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By Adam Mucinskas, DPM
October 14, 2019

It’s officially boot season! At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we want to help our patients avoid podiatric pain and problems by giving some tips on how to find boots that are not only fashionable but good for your feet.

Below is a checklist of features to look for:

  • Roomy toe box—boots that are pointy and narrow squish toes together and increase the risk and severity of conditions like bunions and hammertoes. If your toes are squeezed up against each other for long hours, you are also more likely to develop ingrown toenails.
  • Good arch support—oftentimes, we see patients in our Cromwell office complaining of heel pain during the winter months. The cause turns out to be fashion boots that have little or no arch support. Proper arch support keeps your plantar fascia—the long band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot—happy, which in turn reduces pressure and pain in both your arch and your heel.
  • Cushioned insoles and heel cups—think of how many steps you take each day. The constant pounding of your feet against the ground can result in foot pain and tendon inflammation. Thick cushioning in the inside of your boots will act as a shock absorber, protecting your feet and increasing comfort.
  • Ankle protection—when conditions get slippery, ankle sprain risk skyrockets. Be sure your boots fit your ankles securely and avoid thin, high heels that are unstable by design. Look for a gripping tread on the boot as well to further reduce your risk of trips and falls.

Once you’ve found a boot that meets the above qualifications, get a proper fit. Have your foot professionally measured. If our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas has prescribed a custom orthotic device for you to wear, be sure to bring it with you and try it on with the boots you are considering. Shop at the end of the day—it’s when your feet are at their largest and most swollen.

If you have additional questions about shoe styles that are best for your feet, contact us by calling: (860) 632-5499.

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