Bunions

A bunion is a “bump” on the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint near the base of the big toe that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. Because the MTP joint supports the body’s weight while walking, bunions can be extremely painful if left untreated. Bunions can also form on the outside of the foot along the little toe. Dr. Harry Cotler and his team here at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center in Soldotna, AK treat this condition regularly.

 

There is evidence that shows that bunions are genetic and can be inherited, they can also result from various foot injuries or any birth deformities. Studies have also shown that bunions occur nearly 10 times more frequently in women. It has been suggested that wearing tight-fitting shoes, especially high-heel and narrow-toed shoes can greatly increase the risk of bunions. Some common symptoms of bunions include:

• Development of a firm  bump on the outside of the foot
• Thickening of the skin at the base of your big toe
• Persistent or intermittent pain
• Redness, swelling or pain at or near the MTP joint
• Corns or other irritations caused by the overlap of the first and second toes
• Restricted or painful motion of the big toe

Treatment for bunions varies depending on the type and severity of each individual case. If we are able to catch the bunion early enough, it can be treated with padding or medications but if it goes untreated it can result in surgery. Contact us at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center today to begin the process of treating your bunions!

Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is a condition that causes a burning, stabbing or aching pain in your foot, just beneath the toes in the metatarsal region of the foot. Metatarsalgia pain is often related overuse from walking or running. At Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center, we often see athletes who participate in high-impact sports suffering from this condition. In most cases, the pain occurs over a period of several months rather than suddenly.

 

Persistent stress can lead to chronic irritation and inflammation of the bone covering and adjacent to tissues. The following factors are said to contribute to metatarsalgia:

• High level of activity
• Improper biomechanics
• Unusual foot shape
• Tight Achilles tendon
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Ill-fitting footwear

This condition is possible to treat. Through regular icing and pressure bandages, metatarsalgia is reversible. Our team may also suggest that you not put any weight on your foot for a period of time. However, if your pain is severe or ongoing, it may be time to see us. Other treatment options include modification of footwear or insoles, use of metatarsal pads and arch supports.

 

Call our office in Soldotna, AK at (907) 260-3668 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Harry Cotler or visit www.hcotler.com for more information about Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center. 

Bunions

A bunion is a “bump” on the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint near the base of the big toe that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. Because the MTP joint supports the body’s weight while walking, bunions can be extremely painful if left untreated. Bunions can also form on the outside of the foot along the little toe. Dr. Harry Cotler and his team here at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center in Soldotna, AK treat this condition regularly.

 

There is evidence that shows that bunions are genetic and can be inherited, they can also result from various foot injuries or any birth deformities. Studies have also shown that bunions occur nearly 10 times more frequently in women. It has been suggested that wearing tight-fitting shoes, especially high-heel and narrow-toed shoes can greatly increase the risk of bunions. Some common symptoms of bunions include:

• Development of a firm  bump on the outside of the foot
• Thickening of the skin at the base of your big toe
• Persistent or intermittent pain
• Redness, swelling or pain at or near the MTP joint
• Corns or other irritations caused by the overlap of the first and second toes
• Restricted or painful motion of the big toe

Treatment for bunions varies depending on the type and severity of each individual case. If we are able to catch the bunion early enough, it can be treated with padding or medications but if it goes untreated it can result in surgery. Contact us at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center today to begin the process of treating your bunions!

Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is a condition that causes a burning, stabbing or aching pain in your foot, just beneath the toes in the metatarsal region of the foot. Metatarsalgia pain is often related overuse from walking or running. At Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center, we often see athletes who participate in high-impact sports suffering from this condition. In most cases, the pain occurs over a period of several months rather than suddenly.

 

Persistent stress can lead to chronic irritation and inflammation of the bone covering and adjacent to tissues. The following factors are said to contribute to metatarsalgia:

• High level of activity
• Improper biomechanics
• Unusual foot shape
• Tight Achilles tendon
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Ill-fitting footwear

This condition is possible to treat. Through regular icing and pressure bandages, metatarsalgia is reversible. Our team may also suggest that you not put any weight on your foot for a period of time. However, if your pain is severe or ongoing, it may be time to see us. Other treatment options include modification of footwear or insoles, use of metatarsal pads and arch supports.

 

Call our office in Soldotna, AK at (907) 260-3668 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Harry Cotler or visit www.hcotler.com for more information about Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center. 

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! 

Custom Orthotics

Unlike shoe inserts that you can find at the store or order online, custom orthotics are devices prescribed by a doctor and crafted for your specific foot.  Designed to provide support and comfort to your feet after a thorough evaluation of your feet, ankles and legs, these orthotics can accommodate your unique foot structure and help prevent or treat a variety of conditions.

At Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care, we provide two types of orthotics: those meant to control abnormal motion and those meant to provide additional cushioning and support. Dr. Harry Cotler prescribes custom orthotics for many conditions, including bursitis, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, bunions, diabetic foot ulcers and foot, ankle and heel pain.

If you are suffering from one of these conditions, Dr. Cotler will examine your feet and how you walk. He will assess the movement and function of your lower extremities and even how your feet function when walking and running. In addition, he will listen to any complaints or concerns you have. This information will all help him design custom orthotics to help your feet and way of life. Clinical studies have shown that these devices are effective in decreasing foot pain and improving function.

To schedule an appointment with our office in Soldotna, AK, call 907-260-FOOT(3668). For more information, visit www.HCotler.com.

Bunions

A bunion is a common foot condition characterized as a bump on the joint at the base of the big toe. This bump forms when the bone moves out of place, forcing the big toe to bend toward the others. Because this joint bears a lot of the body’s weight while walking and standing, bunions can cause a great deal of pain if left untreated. Not only can it become difficult to walk, but even wearing shoes can be a problem.

Bunions form when the force exerted on the joints and tendons in the foot is disrupted. Instability in the joint can cause the abnormality, as can years of abnormal motion and pressure in the joint. This means that the condition is a symptom of faulty foot development caused either by an improper gait or from inherited foot type.

If you are experiencing a firm bump on your inner foot at the base of the big toe or redness, swelling or pain near the joint, you have most likely developed a bunion and should schedule an appointment with our office immediately. Dr. Harry Cotler can provide you with treatment to stop the progression of the condition. Treatment options include padding of the bunion to minimize pain, taping the foot into normal position, physical therapy, custom orthotics and, in the most extreme cases, surgery.  

To schedule an appointment, call 907-260-FOOT (3668). For more information, visit www.HCotler.com.

Running Injuries

Now that the weather is starting to get a little nicer, we thought we’d let you know about some common running injuries and how you can best prevent them this summer. Whether you are a professional athlete or just a weekend warrior, there is always the chance that you could get hurt. The best way to prevent injuries is to prepare, work smart and recover.

Running is a great way to release some endorphins, get outside and get healthy, but if you’re not properly preparing yourself, you could find yourself on a doctor’s table pretty quickly. The most common running-related foot injuries are:

• Shin Splints – pain that occurs in the front or inside of the lower leg along the shin bone. Treatment includes rest, stretching and a slow return to your normal level of activity
• Achilles Tendinitis – this inflammation occurs in the Achilles tendon and causes pain and stiffness in the area of the tendon. Treatment includes rest, cold compress on the afflicted area and calf stretches
• Plantar Fasciitis –inflammation in the plantar fascia tissue that causes a great deal of pain during physical activity. Treatment should include calf stretches, rest and cold compress to the afflicted area
• Blisters – these fluid filled sacks occur due to friction between shoes/socks and skin. If you have blister problems, consider getting new shoes, wearing socks with a double layer and apply petroleum jelly on areas prone to blisters

If you have suffered any running injuries, take a minute to think about how important your feet are to you and your daily life. If you are in pain and your home remedies are not working, schedule an appointment with us at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care by calling (907) 260-3668. 

Tendinitis

Your feet are one of the most important parts of your body, but are you taking care of the like you should? When your feet hit the ground in the morning, are you in pain? Do you experience pain when you walk, run or even just standing? Tendinitis is one of the most common foot conditions out there right now and if it’s treated properly, it can lead to very serious foot conditions. At Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care, we take pride in how we care for our patients so if you’re in pain, come in and we’ll take a look.

 

Tendinitis results from an injury, most likely sustained due to overuse. Improper stretching prior to exertion or incorrect form during physical activity can also contribute to this condition. Tendinitis mostly affects the tendons that connect your muscles to bone. In some cases, people suffer from Achilles tendinitis. This inflammation in the Achilles tendon is very painful and is very common amongst active adults.

 

If you are trying home remedies for the pain and it’s not working, it’s time to visit us. When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Cotler will complete a physical examination of your feet and ankles. If necessary, an X-ray will be taken in order to properly diagnose your condition. If inflammation is found, Dr. Cotler will devise a treatment plan that will include immobilization, cold compresses and even medication if necessary. 

Arch Disorders

Arch pain can be a crippling condition that makes even the simplest tasks almost impossible. Arch pain, often referred to as arch strain, is an inflammation and/or burning sensation at the arch of your foot. If you are currently having arch problems, it might be time to come in and get it checked out. At Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care, we take a proactive approach to healing your heal pain so it does not advance to a more painful condition down the road.

 

A factor in the early management of arch pain is receiving an accurate diagnosis from your podiatrist, Dr. Harry Cotler. If the symptoms are mild, Dr. Cotler may prescribe foot orthotics and stretching exercises to help the calf muscles and arch. If your symptoms are more severe, we may use tape to support the arch and restrict movement as well as prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication and possibly recommend the use of custom orthotics. If there is no relief from those treatments, further testing may be necessary to determine whether such conditions as arthritis or a more serious condition might form.

 

Arch pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, which can affect the heel, arch, or both. Plantar fasciitis treatment is the same, regardless of the location of foot pain. If you are suffering from fasciitis or even fallen arches, try these home remedies:

• Rest/ice
• Medicate – non-steroidal anti inflammatory
• Shoe adjustments or custom orthotics
• Use a walking boot or brace

If you are experiencing any arch problems and have tried to manage the pain on your own, it might be time to consider visiting us at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care. Our professional staff is here to get you back to feeling great!

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  

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.

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.

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathy in the feet causes a variety of side effects, including burning, achiness and redness. This can be caused by diabetes, having dermatitis, Athlete’s feet or overexertion without wearing the proper footwear. Here at our podiatry office, we offer burning and neuropathic pain treatments in the form of diabetic foot care, necessary surgical procedures, treating infections and treating the exact cause of the burning pain. Physical therapy and rehabilitation treatments are highly effective with this type of foot problem.

Patients who experience the following symptoms are encouraged to consider podiatry care for their burning foot pain:

• Diabetes patients with any type of foot pain.


• Burning pain in one or both feet.


• Foot pain severe enough to affect sleep.


• Patients who want to find alternatives for their foot pain.


• Being unsteady while walking.


• Previously having a fall due to the pain in the foot.

Our treatment plans deal with short-term pain relief and long-term solutions. This is why we incorporate physical therapy as part of the treatment for burning and neuropathic pain of the feet.

Call Dr. Harry Cotler at 907-260-3668 (FOOT) to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing burning or neuropathic pain in your feet.

Infections and Ulcerations

Infections and ulcerations are a common foot condition we see in our podiatry office. Whether from diabetes or conditions that make patients prone to infection, our goal is to treat the foot as quickly and painlessly as possible.  

Foot infections and ulcerations tend to be more common in our diabetic patients, as patients with uncontrolled diabetes are prone to ulcers that can lead to infections if they are left untreated. The ulcer occurs when the skin of the foot breaks down and reveals the tissue underneath. Because it is an open sore, it can lead to infection.

To treat infections and ulcerations, Dr. Harry Cotler begins by covering the ulcer with a dressing if it is caught before an infection occurs. It must be cleaned and dressed regularly to avoid infection. Special shoes may also need to be worn and patients are asked to be careful with their foot and avoid strenuous activities that can worsen the condition. If the ulcer is infected, the infected tissue may need to be removed, the pus may need to be drained, and antibiotics are typically prescribed. If you suspect you have an ulcer or infection of the foot, visit our office in Soldotna, AK right away to receive important treatment.

Trauma and Athletic Injuries

Here at the Dr. Harry Cotler podiatry office, we treat feet and ankles for many different types of injuries. Some of them are sores or infections due to diabetes, while others are from medical conditions that cause chronic pain. We also see many patients with trauma and athletic injuries. Treatment depends on the cause of the injury and what type of injury it is.

There are a lot of possible trauma and athletic injuries that can occur both with children and adults, including ankle fractures and sprains, heel pain, dislocations, ligament injuries, plantar fasciitis, muscle strain, stress fractures, shin splints, tendon pathology, turf toe and tendonitis. The feet and ankles are especially at risk during various types of contact sports and athletic activities, including running.

After diagnosing the type of athletic injury, our podiatrist, Dr. Harry Cotler, decides on the best course of treatment. In some cases, a cast or brace is enough to keep a fracture secured until it begins healing, while a support bandage works well for a muscle strain. We also provide x-rays over the healing period to make sure the bones are healing properly and are not shifting.

Patients who experience trauma and athletic injuries are encouraged to visit us in Soldotna, AK for an examination and treatment options.

Tendon and Joint Pain

Tendon and joint pain in the foot is a common complaint of our patients here at the Dr. Harry Cotler podiatry clinic. There are three main areas of the foot where pain and injuries are felt: the toes, the forefoot and the hindfoot.

The most common types of injuries to the feet and ankles have to do with the tendons, ligaments and joints because they go through so much with regular physical activity every day. The tendons of the foot help connect the muscles to the joints and bones, with the Achilles tendon being the largest tendon, stretching from the calf muscle to the heel. Tendons in the foot can tear, causing severe pain for the patient.

The following treatments are recommended for various types of tendon and joint pain in the foot:

1. Apply an ice pack and resting the foot.

2. Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

3. Perform stretching exercises of the Achilles tendons.

4. Wrap the foot in bandages or using supportive devices.

5. Perform in-clinic massage and stretching.

6. Undergo surgery in the more severe cases.

If you have pain in your foot or ankle and suspect tendon and joint pain being the cause, call us at 907-260-3668 (FOOT) to make an appointment.

Neuromas

A neuroma is a condition that occurs when a nerve becomes pinched and is extremely painful for individuals suffering from it. Neuromas are caused by stress to the body system.  This can develop from a trauma that damages the nerve, causing it to swell and become inflamed, a biochemical deformity, or from not wearing the right footwear. Many patients who come to see Dr. Harry Cotler in Soldotna, AK are looking for treatment for foot disorders, including neuromas.

Some symptoms of neuromas are pain in the feet between the toes, swelling between the toes, tingling and numbness, and pain in the ball of the foot. Some of our patients describe it as a feeling of walking on a marble. Before seeking treatment from our clinic, we suggest some home remedies like resting your foot, getting more supportive footwear and taking over-the-counter medications. Once patients are able to see us, we provide these treatment options:

1. X-rays of the foot to look for other causes of the pain.

2. Anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections.

3. Taping the ball of the foot to reduce pain.

4. Custom-made shoe inserts.

5. Surgical procedures for more severe pain.

Contact our office at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care at (907) 260-3668 (Foot) if you have questions about neuromas and the treatments we provide.

Reconstructive Foot Surgery

Reconstructive foot surgery is a type of treatment that helps our patients find relief from various types of pain. Patients may be experiencing foot pain from a recent trauma, accident, a congenital abnormality, arthritis, infection, or simply from wearing the wrong footwear that is too narrow for them. With reconstructive foot surgery, Dr. Harry Cotler is able to restore the stability and function in the foot, while relieving the pain and discomfort from these different conditions.

There are different types of reconstructive foot surgery procedures, which vary based on the problem our patient is experiencing. These procedures include a fusing a bone in the foot, removing a tumor, transferring tendon, implanting joints and others. Because of the advanced form of surgical procedures, reconstructive foot surgery procedures are only considered when other treatments have failed. Many of the conservative treatments we provide our patients will work, but other cases are more severe and need reconstructive foot surgery.

Here at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care, we give our patients surgical options (such as joint surgery for patients with severe arthritis that is keeping them from walking properly) for improving the mobility and function of their feet when other procedures have not worked,. Visit our website at www.hcotler.com to find out more about reconstructive foot surgery.

Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are not always extremely painful, but can be aesthetically displeasing and sometimes cause discomfort for patients. We have many patients visit us who desire treatment for the corns or calluses on their feet, which occur when there is a type of friction or pressure from footwear. Corns and calluses can sometimes go away on their own, but in more severe cases, Dr. Harry Cotler provides treatment in Soldotna, AK.

Corns and calluses are both caused from friction and pressure on a specific area of skin. Because of the pressure, the skin on the foot dies and provides a hard surface to protect it. The majority of corns and calluses are the result of pressure from shoes:

• ·         Wearing shoes that are too tight.


• ·         Wearing shoes that are too narrow.


• ·         Loose shoes that cause rubbing and friction.


• ·         Shoes with thin soles, creating pressure on the ball of the foot.


• ·         Wearing shoes without socks.


• ·         Sandals causing friction between the toes.


• ·         Shoes with a seam or stitch rubbing against the foot.

Patients who have diabetes, or other medical conditions that cause bad circulation in the feet, should visit our Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care podiatry office as soon as they notice corns or calluses. Contact us for more information on corns and calluses.