Marc-Andre Fleury starts Game 5; Trevor Daley out for playoffs with broken ankle

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Heel Spurs: Treatment and Prevention

Heel spurs are another foot problem that we can diagnose and treat here at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care of Soldotna, AK. While sometimes heel spurs can develop and cause no pain at all, other times they can cause a great deal of pain.

A sharp pain in the bottom of the foot when first standing in the morning is a common symptom of a heel spurs. The pain often returns when someone stands up after sitting for a long period of time and while walking, jogging, and running. After the sharp pain subsides, it is replaced with a dull ache.

There are conservative and invasive ways to relieve heel spurs. Anti-inflammatory medications can help with pain and swelling, as well as stretching, orthotics, certain shoes, and physical therapy. In some cases, your podiatrist may want to inject a corticosteroid to relieve the inflammation in the area.

When conservative approaches do not work, this is when surgical options are considered. The heel spur can be removed, or the plantar fascia (the thick band of tissue along the bottom of your foot) may be released.

To prevent heel spurs, make sure to wear well-fitting shoes for each activity you are doing. Also make sure to warm up and cool down after physical activities. If you wear out the heels of your shoes, make sure to replace them.

If you have been experiencing heel pain, come in for an examination at our Soldotna, AK location. To schedule, call Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care at (907) 260-3668 or visit our website, www.hcotler.com. 

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and How to Treat It

The symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome are commonly confused with the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care of Soldotna, AK wants their patients experiencing arch and heel pain to know the difference and to be examined.

Shooting pain, numbness, and a tingling, burning sensation in the heel, the arch, and sometimes the toes are all symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome. These symptoms can feel worse when running, standing for long periods of time, and at the end of a day. Pain caused by plantar fasciitis is also in the inside of the heel and the arch of the foot. However, symptoms having to do with the tibial nerve, like numbness and tingling, as well as tenderness to the touch of certain areas, indicate that the pain is actually tarsal tunnel syndrome. Your podiatrist will be able to run a test to diagnose one or the other.

To relieve the pain caused by tarsal tunnel syndrome, rest from activities that seem to aggravate the condition. When the pain occurs, an anti-inflammatory and a cold pack will help reduce inflammation and swelling. Your podiatrist will know proper foot stretches and exercises to strengthen and stretch the area. These combined can often relieve tarsal tunnel syndrome.

If you have been feeling a burning, tingling sensation near your heel and the arch of the foot, do not wait to have it evaluated. To schedule an appointment with Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care of Soldotna, AK, call (907) 260-3668 or visit our website, www.hcotler.com. 

Xerosis Cutis and How to Treat It

Xerosis cutis is a foot problem that can be quite irritating, but there are ways to defeat it. We at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care of Soldotna, AK want our patients with extra dry skin to know more about xerosis cutis and how to treat it.

Xerosis cutis is abnormally dry skin and is common on the feet. While this is a temporary condition, it is never welcome and there are ways to keep it away. The signs of xerosis cutis are characterized by dry, itchy, scaly skin, skin that is white and flaky, pink, red, and irritated skin, tight skin, and skin that has fine cracks in it. While getting older may decrease the oils in your skin, causing more dryness, environmental factors are to blame, as well. While taking a shower or bath, over-cleansing the skin, bathing too frequently, and using extra-hot water can all contribute to dry skin. Low humidity and cold, dry winters are also factors. Extended sun exposure, as well as not drinking enough water can also lead to dry skin. While some of these conditions are not easily changed, like winter conditions, there are a lot of ways that you can help moisturize your skin.

Short showers or baths with lukewarm water and gentle cleansers are recommended for bathing. Oil-based moisturizing lotions and drinking plenty of water will also help. For dry air in your home, using a humidifier is also beneficial. And be sure to use sunscreen!

To schedule an appointment with Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care of Soldotna, AK, call (907) 260-3668 or visit our website, www.hcotler.com. 

Tailor's Bunion

Tailor’s bunion are less common than a regular bunion, but can be just as painful and troublesome. Here at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care, of Soldotna, AK, we want you to be able to identify the difference and maybe save yourself some trouble if you are experiencing foot pain.

While a regular bunion is a bump formed in the joint at the base of the big toe, a tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette, is formed in the joint at the base of the little toe. They earned their name, tailor’s bunion, by being a well-known foot problem of tailors. These days, the bunionettes are usually caused by not wearing proper shoes. Shoes that do not allow enough room for toes, high-heels, and pointy-toed shoes push in the little toe, deforming the base joint. Inherited predispositions to bunionettes are also to blame.

While the pain in a normal bunion is usually experienced in the bump that forms, with a bunionette, pain is usually felt inside of the joint. Toe spacers and foot padding worn inside shoes can help relieve pain and move the little toe back to its normal positon. Icing the area at the end of the day will also help relieve pain and swelling.

If you have been experiencing pain or even have developed a bump on your little toe joint, schedule an appointment here at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care of Soldotna, AK. Call (907) 260-3668 or visit our website, www.hcotler.com. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes are identified as a bending of the joints of the second, third, fourth and fifth toes. It is an abnormal bending that can cause various problems to develop, including pain and swelling due to the pressure from shoes. To diagnose hammertoes, Dr. Harry Cotler will look for common signs, like inflammation, redness, pain when wearing shoes, corns and calluses on the toes or the ball of the foot, and possibly open sores in some cases. His practice, Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center offers hammertoe treatments for patients of all ages in Soldotna, AK.

Treatment for hammertoes begins with an examination by Dr. Cotler. The symptoms of hammertoes can worsen over time, making treatment essential. Treatments provided by Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center include creating custom orthotic footwear, providing padding for calluses or corns that form on the hammertoe, suggesting alternative footwear, trimming calluses and corns, and offering medications for the toe.

Surgery is also available for hammertoes, though it is rarely needed and only provided to patients who have a severe case. Patients benefit from seeking hammertoe treatment Dr. Cotler because they are getting treatments from an experienced podiatrist. He is able to treat the symptoms of hammertoes, determine if surgery if needed, and help prevent further complications, like friction from the patient’s shoes that can make them even more painful. If you have the signs of hammertoes, contact Dr. Cotler for more information about hammertoes treatments.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Harry Cotler for your hammertoes by calling (907) 260-3668 or learn more about Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center in Soldotna, AK at www.hcotler.com.

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!

Digital X-Rays

Many podiatrists' do not utilize X-ray technology in their practice at all, much less digital X-ray technology. This new technology is taking the medical field by storm; its many advantages greatly outweigh those of traditional X-ray systems. Dr. Harry Cotler brought this technology to Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center in order to provide a better level of care to his patients.

The use of digital radiography has many advantages that are all but impossible with traditional X-ray systems. Dr. Cotler is able to view and detect anomalies in dark or light areas of the film, enhance cortical outlines, change image brightness and magnify and manipulate the image. The image that is taken is also much higher quality than seen through traditional systems. Digital X-ray technology is a great tool for patients as well. Since traditional X-rays often fail to detect early stages of many problems, digital X-rays give Dr. Cotler higher quality images that allow him to diagnose patient’s problems sooner. Early detection is the best way for patient’s to avoid potentially invasive, costly procedures that wouldn’t have been necessary if the symptoms were found earlier.

Another great benefit of digital X-ray technology is the fact that it is so good for the environment. There is no need for harmful chemicals or wasted film to develop the images. The X-rays are all stored in our computer system, eliminating the need for filing envelopes or physical storage of records.

To make an appointment with Dr. Harry Cotler, call (907) 260-3668. For more information about our team here at Affiliated ANkle & Foot Care Center, visit www.hcotler.com.

 

 

Corns and Calluses

Corns and Calluses affect nearly 5% of Americans and are often treated through podiatric care. Corns and calluses are essentially the same thing: thick, dead skin caused by excessive friction, usually because of a poorly fitting shoe. Corns are generally found on the toes, whereas calluses tend to form on the bottom of the feet. If you are experiencing one of these common foot conditions, visit our team here at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center for treatment, especially if you are feeling any pain or discomfort.

 

Corns and calluses are typically caused by either too much friction or pressure on against part of the foot. These conditions are not contagious but do become painful if left untreated. For patients who suffer from diabetes or decreased circulation, corns and calluses often lead to serious foot problems if left untreated.

 

When you visit our office in Soldotna, AK, Dr. Harry Cotler will conduct a complete exam of your feet, corns and calluses are diagnosed based on appearance and medical history. Dr. Cotler may even inspect your shoes or watch you walk in an effort to determine the cause. Once it is determined that you have one of these conditions, Dr. Cotler will create a treatment plan. For those suffering from mild corns or calluses, it may require a change in shoes or add orthotics. If you suffer from larger corns or calluses, Dr. Cotler will reduce them with a surgical blade. The procedure is completely painless because the skin is already dead.

 

Call us at 907-260-3668 to schedule a consultation with our podiatrist Dr. Harry Cotler for your corns or calluses. 

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes has many effects on feet, and it is extremely important that any diabetic seek podiatric care. Here at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center, Dr. Cotler has a wealth of experience in assisting diabetic patients with their foot care.

 

Diabetes is a condition that affects many organs and systems in the body. Feet are the first place where effects of diabetes are seen, mainly because they are the furthest extremities from the heart. It is a well-known fact that one of the first systemic conditions that diabetes effects is the circulatory system. Dr. Cotler specializes in disorders of the foot and ankle and therefore is highly trained to examine for abnormalities of the lower extremity.

 

Many times podiatrists are the first doctors to diagnose vascular disease and neuropathy in the lower extremities. Diabetes can cause both of these systemic disorders and by seeing a podiatrist, the feet, which are most affected by diabetes, can be cared for on a regular basis. Often a small problem can be diagnosed and treated at an early stage and helps prevent the condition from progressing to a more serious disorder.

 

If you suffer from diabetes, it is crucial that you ensure foot health by working with a podiatrist. This will truly reduce the likelihood of an infection. Preventative care is the best step you could take if you have diabetes. 

Haglund's Deformity

Haglund’s Deformity, sometimes called “pump hump” is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel bone. This condition is most common in women who wear pump-style shoes. The shape of the foot can also contribute to the development of this condition. If you have high arches, a tight Achilles tendon or a tendency to walk on the outside area of your feet, you are more likely to develop Haglund’s Deformity.

 

The inflammation on the back of the heel is caused when the soft tissue around the Achilles tendon becomes irritated. Irritation in this area is often the result of pressure caused by the back of pump-style shoes. Those suffering from Haglund’s Deformity often exhibit the following symptoms:

• Enlarged bony prominence on the back of the heel
• Heel pain
• Blisters on the heels
• Swelling in the back of the heel and redness or inflamed tissue at the site of the swelling

Our team at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center will carefully examine your feet and record a thorough medical history evaluation. There are many treatment options available, these options include shoe modification, medication, immobilization and in extreme cases, surgery. When home remedies do not work or the bump continues to enlarge, it’s time to seek medical attention from a podiatrist. Call today to schedule an appointment with our team. 

Ganglions

Ganglions are small, fluid-filled swellings of the joint and tendon that are located on the ankle or on top of the foot. They have the appearance of firm or spongy sacs of liquid and their insides consist of a sticky, clear, thick, jelly-like fluid. Typically they grow slowly and can cause severe irritation when they become too large.

 

The exact cause of ganglions is unknown, but some research has shown that they can form when trauma or repeated irritation weakens the joint or tendon lining. If you wear boots or other restrictive footwear, you may be more susceptible to this condition. Research has also shown that those with bone spurs may also find the pressure of the bony growth can also cause ganglions.

A ganglion usually appears as a smooth bump from 1 to 3 centimeters in diameter. It may disappear and reappear, may be soft or firm, and it may change size. In some cases, you might feel pain if the ganglion presses upon a nerve. If the ganglion is attached to a tendon, the affected area might feel weaker.

 

When it comes to treatment, Dr. Cotler will first complete a physical examination to determine the proper diagnosis. Ganglions often are mistaken for tumors, so visiting us at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center will be extremely beneficial. Treatment methods range from pads placed around the ganglion to reduce pressure, fluid removal, icing and surgery. You can contact our podiatry professions to discuss your symptoms, receive a comprehensive diagnosis and discover the right treatment options. 

Morton's Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma is a condition that makes it feel like you are “walking on a marble.”  This condition usually forms between the third and fourth toes. It is caused by irritation, trauma or excessive pressure. Morton’s Neuroma is eight to ten times more likely to occur in women than men because of their shoe choices.

 

If you are suffering from Morton’s Neuroma, there are no outward symptoms such as a bump or bulge. Common symptoms include a burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling or numbness sensation in the toes and a feeling of something inside the ball of the foot. The symptoms occur gradually and will intensify with overuse or improper footwear. You can temporarily diminish the pain by massaging the foot or by avoiding the activities that brought on the pain.

 

If symptoms persist or worsen over time, is might be time to visit us at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center. Treatment can come in many forms, such as:

• Changes in footwear – avoiding high heels or tight shoes enables the bones to spread out and may reduce pressure on the nerve, giving it time to heal
• Custom orthotics – custom shoe inserts and pads can be prescribed to relieve irritation. The orthotics will lift and separate the bones, reducing pressure on the nerve
• Injections – Corticosteroid medication can be prescribed to reduce swelling and inflammation in the nerve

You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Harry Cotler at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center in Soldotna, AK, by calling 907-260-3668 or visit us online at www.hcotler.com. 

Heel Pain/Fasciitis

Heel pain has many causes, and depending on the affliction, can be extremely disruptive or even disabling. Heel pain is generally the caused by placing too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it. The stress may also result from an injury or a bruise caused by walking, running, or jumping on hard surfaces. It can also be caused by wearing poorly constructed footwear or being overweight.

 

If left untreated, heel pain can lead to further heel damage. Common heel conditions include:

• Heel spurs – bony growth on the underside of the heel bone
• Plantar Fasciitis – inflammation of the band of fibrous connective tissue running along the bottom of the foot
• Excessive pronation – normal, flexible motion and flattening of the arch
• Achilles tendinitis – inflammation of the Achilles tendon

Treatment for heel conditions such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis is simple. At Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center, Dr. Cotler recommends patients participate in activities such as stretching, icing, footwear change and anti-inflammatory medications to help ease heel pain. If you are experiencing heel pain, visit with our Soldotna, AK to learn if you may be suffering from plantar fasciitis. 

Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection the effects the toenails or fingernails. It is the most common disease of the nails and constitutes about half of all fungal abnormalities. This condition causes the nail to become discolored and become thick. As the infection progresses, the nail can become brittle and possibly fall off.

 

At first glance, onychomycosis appears to be only a cosmetic concern. However, without treatment, the toenails can become abnormally thick forcing the toe to press against the inside of the shoes, causing pressure, irritation, and pain. Onychomycosis is very treatable with a podiatrist. In most cases, onychomycosis can be treated in the following ways:

• Medications – prescription of topical or oral antifungal medications can be given to provide relief
• Light – depending on the severity of the condition, light can be used for treatment. Fungi are sensitive to heat, so laser treatment to heat the nail bed will disrupt fungal growth
• Removal of nail – by removing the affected part of the nail, the fungus cannot spread and affect other toes or the rest of the foot

Nail fungus, such as onychomycosis should be treated as quickly as possible. These conditions can cause permanent damage to nails if left untreated. It can also lead to other serious infections for those with weakened immune systems. There are many risk factors that come with onychomycosis. Patients who are of poor health, advanced age or have a family history of fungal infections are at particular risk.

 

Talk to us at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center today to see what your treatment options are. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Harry Cotler at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center in Soldotna, AK, by calling 907-260-3668 or visit us online at www.hcotler.com.

Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection the effects the toenails or fingernails. It is the most common disease of the nails and constitutes about half of all fungal abnormalities. This condition causes the nail to become discolored and become thick. As the infection progresses, the nail can become brittle and possibly fall off.

 

At first glance, onychomycosis appears to be only a cosmetic concern. However, without treatment, the toenails can become abnormally thick forcing the toe to press against the inside of the shoes, causing pressure, irritation, and pain. Onychomycosis is very treatable with a podiatrist. In most cases, onychomycosis can be treated in the following ways:

• Medications – prescription of topical or oral antifungal medications can be given to provide relief
• Light – depending on the severity of the condition, light can be used for treatment. Fungi are sensitive to heat, so laser treatment to heat the nail bed will disrupt fungal growth
• Removal of nail – by removing the affected part of the nail, the fungus cannot spread and affect other toes or the rest of the foot

Nail fungus, such as onychomycosis should be treated as quickly as possible. These conditions can cause permanent damage to nails if left untreated. It can also lead to other serious infections for those with weakened immune systems. There are many risk factors that come with onychomycosis. Patients who are of poor health, advanced age or have a family history of fungal infections are at particular risk.

 

Talk to us at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center today to see what your treatment options are. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Harry Cotler at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center in Soldotna, AK, by calling 907-260-3668 or visit us online at www.hcotler.com.