Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toe nails may start out as small nuisances, but if left untreated, they can become much larger problems. Occurring when a segment of the toenail embeds itself in the skin around the nail, ingrown toenails cause pain, redness, swelling and a feeling of warmth to the affected toe. If the nail digs far enough into the flesh to break the skin, an infection can result. Whether you are in need of treatment or would like to know how to best prevent ingrown toenails, Dr. Harry Cotler of the Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center in Soldotna, AK can help.

While some people are just more prone to ingrown nails than others, ingrown nails are often caused by improper trimming techniques. They can also be caused by repeated impact, ill-fitting shoes, poor hygiene, excessive sweating or stubbing the toe. Minor ingrown toenails can oftentimes be treated at home if you’re in good health and no infection is present. To do this, first soak the foot to soften the skin. Then massage the affected area to loosen the troublesome part of the nail.

If the ingrown toe nail persists after five days, is extremely painful or infected, physician care is necessary. Antibiotics may be prescribed to fight infection, and if the nail is deeply embedded, outpatient surgery may be required.

To prevent and treat ingrown toenails and preserve the health of your feet, schedule an appointment with Dr. Harry Cotler of Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center in Soldotna, AK by calling (907) 260-3668. For more information about Dr. Cotler and his practice, visit www.hcotler.com.

Pediatric Foot Care

Our feet and ankles form the foundation that supports our bodies and are responsible for our daily mobility, so good foot and ankle care should begin early in life. Starting in infancy, it is important for parents to take the proper measures that ensure good foot health for their children. With the help of Dr. Harry Cotler of Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center, you can keep your baby healthy from head to toe in Soldotna, AK.

With young babies, it is important for parents to change their position several times a day and to look at his or her feet to see if anything looks abnormal. Exercise should also be provided for them. Lying uncovered allows the infant to kick and perform other movements that will prepare the feet for weight bearing. Leaving the child uncovered also prevents abnormal pressure on the feet. A young child’s feet are very pliable, and foot deformities can result from pressure placed on the feet by tight covers or too-small shoes. It is important to make sure your child’s shoes are flexible and fit properly and that sheets and blankets are loose when being used.

As your child ages, be aware of their walking patterns, which could signal any concerns. In addition, any foot pain or swelling without explanation should not be ignored. Foot deformities, such as club foot, require early medical intervention. If any problems arise, it is important to consult with Dr. Cotler, who can address these concerns. From flat feet and juvenile bunions to ingrown toenails and other common foot problems, Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center can treat children and will work to make sure your child’s feet are healthy and happy.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Harry Cotler of Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center, call (907) 260-3668. For more information about Dr. Cotler and any services offered at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center, visit www.hcotler.com.

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are benign, hard, grainy growths that can occur on the heels or balls of your feet—the areas that feel the most pressure. In fact, the extreme pressure that these parts of your feet experience can actually cause plantar warts to grown inward beneath calluses. Although, these warts are not a serious health concern, they may still require treatment if they cause discomfort or pain. In Soldotna, AK, Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center, Dr. Harry Cotler, treat plantar warts and preserve your foot health.

Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can enter your body through tiny cuts, breaks or weak spots in the bottom of your feet. This can happen if you walk barefoot in public lock rooms or other common public areas or if you have a weakened immune system. While plantar warts can appear as lesions on the bottom of your feet, they can also manifest as well-defined spots on calluses, as black pinpoints called wart seeds and as pain or as pain or tenderness when walking or standing.

There are at-home treatments you can try to treat your plantar warts, but if they persist, change in color or appearance or cause pain, you schedule an appointment with Dr. Cotler. If you find a lesion and you have diabetes, poor sensation in your feet or a weakened immune system, you should skip trying at-home treatments and schedule an appointment with your podiatrist immediately.

Problems with your feet can affect your entire quality of life, but Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center and Dr. Harry Cotler can ensure that your foot health is well looked after in Soldotna, AK. To schedule an appointment, call (907) 260-3668. For more information about Dr. Cotler and any other services offered at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center, please visit www.hcotler.com.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

The world is full of allergens, some which may pose no risk for you and others that might make you miserable. While many people are born with sensitivity to certain foods or substances, others may develop allergies later in life. Allergic contact dermatitis is defined as an allergic condition that occurs when your skin is contacted by an allergen that you are sensitive to. When this happens, an allergic reaction occurs which may be in the form of rashes, dry or scaly skin. At Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center, our team is prepared for patients suffering from allergic contact dermatitis.

Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis of the foot are poison ivy, oak or sumac as well as particular dyes and chemicals that may be found in footwear. The first step in treating allergies of any kind is to identify the allergen. If you are experiencing new symptoms, take the time to evaluate what new substances or plants you may have come into contact with.

If you are experiencing what you may believe to be allergic contact dermatitis, contact us at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center to assist you with finding the cause and alleviating the symptoms. You may need to be tested for a fungal infection or prescribed one of the many effective treatments that are available to remedy this troublesome condition.

Hallux Rigidus

Hallux rigidus, also known as “stiff big toe” is a form of arthritis that subsides in the base of the big toe in the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. This joint is extremely important because it bends every time you take a step and when the joint stiffens, it becomes extremely difficult and painful to walk on.

In order to lessen the pain, those suffering from hallux rigidus will often limp or alter their walking mechanics. This can, in turn, lead to pain in the ankles, knees, hips and lower back. Patients suffering from hallux rigidus will exhibit the following symptoms:

• Pain in the area when you are active


• Swelling and inflammation around the joint


• A bunion-like bump that develops on top of the foot


• Stiffness in the big toe


• Inability to bend big toe up or down

At Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center we offer many treatment options if you suffer from hallux rigidus, both surgical and non-surgical. The non-surgical options include shoe modification, anti-inflammatory medications, orthotics and physical therapy. Surgical options are often a last-resort but do prove to be extremely effective.

Contact us today to discuss your condition and how we can treat it for you!