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.

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! 

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.

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.