Flatfoot

Flatfoot is a deformity in which the arch of the foot collapses, with the entire sole of the foot coming into contact with the ground. In some individuals, the arch simply never develops in one foot or both feet. Tendons attach the heel and foot bones to cause the arch. When the tendons do not pull together properly, there is little or no arch, causing flatfoot.

 

This condition is common in both children and adults and is treatable. Adults often suffer from flat foot that is caused by stretched or torn tendons, broken or dislocated bones, obesity, diabetes and aging. In some cases, those suffering from flat feet will have no problems or symptoms at all, they require no treatment. Many other patients experience the following symptoms:

• Pain along the course of the PT tendon which lies on the inside of the foot and ankle
• Pain that worsens with activity
• Swollen feet
• Back and leg pain

Those suffering from flat foot are often unable to properly support bodyweight properly, causing extreme pressure in the joints in the ankles, knees and hips. At Affiliated Foot and Ankle Care Center, we can provide various treatment options that include stretching exercises, orthotic devices and more. Our competent staff is well versed in the diagnosis and treatment of flatfoot, call (907) 260-3668 today to schedule an appointment!

Achilles Tendonitis

If you are suffering from painful swelling in the back of the foot, just above the heel, you might be experiencing Achilles Tendonitis issues. This condition affects millions of Americans, from athletes to couch potatoes. At Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care Center, we see and treat this condition quite regularly.

 

This condition affects the Achilles tendon, which is the strongest and largest tendon in the body. It also connects the leg to the foot as it stretches from the lower leg to the heel bone. The Achilles tendon is crucial to sustaining normal walking patters as it allows the foot to rise up on the toes.

This condition typically develops gradually as the tendon inflammation and may include one or more of the following three stages:

• Peritenonitis – an inflammatory and fibrous reaction between the tendon and the paratenon (areolar tissue filling the space between a tendon and its sheath). It may occur by itself or in conjunction with tendinosis.
• Tendinosis ­– typically an asymptomatic stage that may result in a nodule, or know to swelling at the back of the leg
• Peritenonitis with tendinosis - this stage may lead to a rupture of the tendon and it is characterized by pain and swelling during and after activity.

Similarly to most medical conditions, Achilles tendonitis is best treated early in its development. If you are experiencing pain and/or swelling in this region, a consultation with Dr. Harry Cotler will give you the best chance for a full recovery. You can schedule an appointment at our Soldotna, AK practice by calling (907) 260-3886 or visit us online at www.hcotler.com to learn more about our practice!

Brachymetatarsia

Brachymetatarsia, also known as “short toe” is a condition where there is a growth disturbance to a bone in the foot, creating a short toe. If more than one of the long bones of the foot is affected, it is known as brachymetapody. A short fourth toe is most common, though it could affect any toe.  The toe itself is usually normal length, but the bone the toe attaches to in the arch (metatarsal bone) is short.  A really short toe can be described as a floating toe.

 

Patients who suffer from brachymetatarsia are often in considerable pain. The toe will sit higher up on the foot and can become irritated in shoes. Weight distribution of the ball of the foot is also altered with short toe, causing pain and pressure calluses. Patients suffering from this condition tend to hide their feet and avoid going barefoot.

 

There are treatment options available for those with pain or embarrassment caused by brachymetatarsia; both surgical and non-surgical options are offered. At Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care Center, we often start with custom orthotics may in order to properly distribute the weight across the foot while in motion. The surgical grafting of bone to lengthen the short toe may also be an option in some cases. Contact us today to learn how we can help you regain a greater sense of balance and a smoother range of motion.

 

Visit us online at www.hcotler.com or call our Soldotna, AK office at (907) 260-3668 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Harry Cotler! 

Sports Injuries

Here in Soldotna, AK, our podiatrist office sees many injuries of the feet and ankles, including sports injuries. Sports injuries can occur in many people, including students during practice or games, professional athletes during sporting events, or people who participate in fitness or sports as recreation.

 

Injuries of the feet and ankles are more common among athletes because they use these parts of their bodies so much, requiring the use of them for stability and movement and subjecting them to an overuse injury. It also makes it more important that they see us as soon as they notice signs of an injury.

 

Some of the more common sports injuries we see here in our podiatrist office include:

 

1. Hip stress fractures

2. Pulled hamstring

3. Shin splints

4. Achilles tendonitis

5. Sprains and strains

6. Arch pain

7. Plantar Fasciitis

8. Knee injuries

9. Swollen muscles

10. Shin bone pain

11. Fractures

12. Dislocations

 

As soon as our patients get an injury, we first encourage them to stop their sport or running activity, get rest, and schedule an appointment to be seen in our Soldotna, AK podiatrist office. The faster we can diagnose the problem, the sooner we treat it and enable our patients to get back to physical activities.

 

Contact podiatrist Dr. Harry Cotler today to get help with your sports injuries.