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. 

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.

Fun Facts/Common Foot Disorders

Did you know that there are a quarter of all the body bones just in your feet? There are 52 bones, 66 joints, 214 ligaments and 38 muscles in both of your feet alone. When you compare that to the rest of your body, it’s kind of astounding. Think about how all of those parts work together to just take one step, in fact, every time your heel lifts off the ground it forces the toes to carry one half of your body weight.

 

The Institute for Preventative Foot Health did a study that showed nearly 80 percent of people ages 21 and older have had at least one foot related problem in their life. The study was conducted in 2012 and surveyed 1,456 people. Here are the top-5 biggest foot problems of the participants:

1. Athlete’s foot – nearly 25% of the people in the study said they have experienced athlete’s foot at least once in their life
2. Achy feet – 26% of those surveyed said they have trouble with sore, achy feet. This usually occurs with age and is treatable through Podiatry
3. Calluses – 27% reported issues with calluses. Calluses occur on the sole of the feet and is usually caused by friction
4. Blisters – 28% noted problems with blisters. Blisters also form from friction but often occur more frequently and are more like a wound
5. Ankle sprain – 31% of participants reported problems with sprained ankles. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reported that 25,000 Americans sprain an ankle every day

If you would like to read more about common foot problems, you can visit our website here. We have provided extensive information about common foot problems that are treated at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care with Dr. Harry Cotler in Soldotna, AK.

Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot is one of the most common foot funguses in America. It is a very contagious condition that is often spread through walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces, it is mostly found in gym locker rooms. Some people are more likely than others to get athlete’s foot and there is really no explanation for this. It can be compared to the flu in that you can be a carrier of the fungus but not actually have symptoms. In these situations, the carrier can easily spread the fungus with no knowledge at all.

 

Traditionally, if you have athlete’s foot, the skin between your toes will burn and itch, the skin may peel and crack as well. There are three different types of athlete’s foot:

1. Toe-web infection – usually occurring between the fourth and fifth toes, the skin in this area will become scaly; it will also peel and crack.
2. Moccasin- type infection – your feet will become sore and the skin on the bottom of your foot can become thick and crack. In bad cases, the fungus will spread to the toenails, causing them to thicken, crumble or even fall out.
3. Vesicular type infection –a sudden outburst of fluid-filled blisters will break out under the skin. The blisters can appear anywhere on the feet. If it goes untreated, it can cause a bacterial infection.

Athlete’s foot is very treatable. Dr. Harry Cotler recommends treating the condition when you first see symptoms because the body can become vulnerable to other bacterial infections when large cracks occur in the skin. If you are experiencing any signs of athlete’s foot, schedule an appointment with Dr. Cotler today for effective treatment options. 

Common Foot Disorders

Did you know that there are a quarter of all the body bones just in your feet? There are 52 bones, 66 joints, 214 ligaments and 38 muscles in both of your feet alone. When you compare that to the rest of your body, it’s kind of astounding. Think about how all of those parts work together to just take one step, in fact, every time your heel lifts off the ground it forces the toes to carry one half of your body weight.

The Institute for Preventative Foot Health did a study that showed nearly 80 percent of people ages 21 and older have had at least one foot related problem in their life. The study was conducted in 2012 and surveyed 1,456 people. Here are the top-5 biggest foot problems of the participants:

1. Athlete’s foot – nearly 25% of the people in the study said they have experienced athlete’s foot at least once in their life
2. chy feet – 26% of those surveyed said they have trouble with sore, achy feet. This usually occurs with age and is treatable through Podiatry
3. Calluses – 27% reported issues with calluses. Calluses occur on the sole of the feet and is usually caused by friction
4. Blisters – 28% noted problems with blisters. Blisters also form from friction but often occur more frequently and are more like a wound
5. Ankle sprain – 31% of participants reported problems with sprained ankles. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reported that 25,000 Americans sprain an ankle every day

If you would like to read more about common foot problems, you can visit our website here. We have provided extensive information about common foot problems that are treated at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care with Dr. Harry Cotler in Soldotna, AK.

Work-Related Foot Problems

When it comes to work-related foot injuries, it doesn’t matter what line of work you’re in, you are at risk of foot injuries. While most foot injuries occur off the job, there are a number of work-related factors that can lead to foot problems, especially in jobs that require long periods of standing.

 

The main thing to remember when you’re thinking about your foot health while working is choosing the right footwear. Poor footwear that does not fit properly heavily contributes to foot disorders. You should look for the following in a pair of work shoes:

• Flexibility – footwear should stretch and grow with your feet
• Comfort fit – sometimes feet are different sizes so make sure to measure both feet when shopping
• Timing – buy your new shoes in the late-afternoon when feet are swollen to their maximum size
• Shock-absorbing – if the shoes you’re looking at don’t have shock-absorbing qualities, buy insoles. Your feet will thank you if you’re walking around a lot as part of your job.

Next time you have an appointment with Dr. Harry Cotler, tell him about your job and ask what types of shoes you should wear, he’s happy to help! We treat all types of foot pain, so if you aren’t sure what you have just call for an appointment. The most work-related pain we treat is:

• Bunions
• Hammertoe
• Arch disorders
• Heel spurs
• Corns and callouses
• Ingrown toenails  

Vascular Examination - PAD

Here at Affiliated Ankle and Foot care, we strive to be at the forefront of the podiatry profession. We do so through continuing education programs and keeping up with the latest technological advances. One of the technologies that we’re using at our Soldotna, AK practice is a vascular examination tool. This great device allows us to better diagnose Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).

 

PAD is a lower extremity disorder in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to the rest of your body. This plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue and other substances. When the plaque builds up in the body’s arteries, it can harden and narrow the arteries, limiting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the other organs in your body, especially to the legs and feet. For those wondering what the symptoms of PAD are, patients often report the following:

• Cramping pains in the legs or hip muscles while walking
• Burning or aching in the feet and toes while at rest
• Cooling of the skin in specific areas of the legs or feet
• Color change in the skin
• Sores on the feet and toes
• No pulse in the feet

Our non-invasive vascular exam is a simple test. Dr. Harry Cotler will place blood pressure cuffs on your leg at different levels. This will measure your blood pressure and obtain an image of the pulse wave form. This will show Dr. Cotler whether or not there is evidence of PAD.

Soft tissue masses and tumors

Soft tissue masses and tumors

Soft tissue masses and tumors are diagnosed and treated here in our Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care office by our podiatrist Dr. Harry Cotler. These masses or tumors are identified as thickening and hardening of one part of skin, typically found under the ball of the foot.

 

Soft tissue masses and tumors can be caused by friction and pressure on that particular area. Many people find that they get these types of tissue masses from the shoes they wear, or because they have hammertoes or bunions. While complications from soft tissue masses and tumors aren’t entirely common, they can occur without proper treatment.

 

Before treating these masses, we must first diagnose them. If you show any of the following symptoms, now is a good time to visit us for an examination:

• Rough, thick and hardening of the skin
• Soreness, pain or tenderness in the area
• Redness around the lump
• A raised, hardened lump on the foot or toes
• Flaky and dry skin

The type of mass and how long the patient has had it determines the best treatment plan. We offer custom orthotics and shoe inserts if these soft tissue masses are caused by lack of shoe support, and we can also tape the foot if there is too much pain and pressure.

 

Visit our podiatrist Dr. Harry Cotler in Soldotna, AK to get started on your treatment for soft tissue masses and tumors.

Warts

Warts

We not only treat sprains and injuries, here in our Soldotna, AK, Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care podiatry office, but skin conditions of the foot as well.Warts are a common complaint among our patients, especially plantar warts. Plantar warts show up on the sole, ball, or heel of the foot as noncancerous growths. These types of warts can be yellow, gray, or brown and are spongy and rough to the touch.

 

The main cause of warts on the foot is the human papilloma virus (HPV), which can enter the body through cuts in the skin. Some individuals have a higher risk factor than others with getting plantar warts or other types of warts caused by the virus, especially when walking barefoot outdoors, in locker rooms or in common areas, as well as having a weakened immune system.

 

Plantar warts usually present as a lump on the foot, and are felt more easily while standing. They can grow in singular warts or clusters. We treat all types of warts on the foot after diagnosis, but also encourage prevention of the spreading of warts by always wearing shoes and changing the socks and shoes daily.

 

Call podiatrist Dr. Harry Cotler at 907-260-3668 to learn more about warts and the treatment options we offer.

Ankle Injuries

Ankle Injuries

Our Soldotna, AK podiatrist Dr. Harry Cotler sees patients for a variety of reasons, but all having to do with skin conditions, injuries, or pain pertaining to the feet or ankles. As it is a very common type of injury, he often sees patients who have suffered ankle injuries. The ankles and feet support the entire body, so it is no surprise that they are so easily injured. The recommended type of treatment for ankle injuries often depends on the cause and severity of the injury, which can be assessed right here in our podiatrist office.

 

Ankle injuries can be caused by athletic sports or recreational activities, running and other fitness, or from labor-intensive jobs. Tripping or falling over can also cause an ankle injury.

Symptoms of ankle injuries include a red, warm ankle, swelling, bruising, limited range of motion, and/or pain. If you have any of these symptoms we recommend visiting our Soldotna, AK Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care office for an examination.

 

Some common treatment options for ankle injuries include icing and applying heat, putting on a cast or brace, or providing stretching exercises to help improve the range of motion of the ankle. We look for non-surgical treatments first, before recommending surgery. Surgery is usually only needed for severe ankle injuries.

 

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

Soft tissue masses and tumors

Soft tissue masses and tumors

Soft tissue masses and tumors are diagnosed and treated here in our Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care office by our podiatrist Dr. Harry Cotler. These masses or tumors are identified as thickening and hardening of one part of skin, typically found under the ball of the foot.

 

Soft tissue masses and tumors can be caused by friction and pressure on that particular area. Many people find that they get these types of tissue masses from the shoes they wear, or because they have hammertoes or bunions. While complications from soft tissue masses and tumors aren’t entirely common, they can occur without proper treatment.

 

Before treating these masses, we must first diagnose them. If you show any of the following symptoms, now is a good time to visit us for an examination:

• Rough, thick and hardening of the skin
• Soreness, pain or tenderness in the area
• Redness around the lump
• A raised, hardened lump on the foot or toes
• Flaky and dry skin

The type of mass and how long the patient has had it determines the best treatment plan. We offer custom orthotics and shoe inserts if these soft tissue masses are caused by lack of shoe support, and we can also tape the foot if there is too much pain and pressure.

 

Visit our podiatrist Dr. Harry Cotler in Soldotna, AK to get started on your treatment for soft tissue masses and tumors.