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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Podiatric Foot Care for the Entire Family

The human foot is an amazing and complex form that requires special care at any age. From the time our feet begin to develop and take shape in infancy, throughout our adult lives, foot health plays a major role in our comfort, balance, and mobility.  Here at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care, we offer a comprehensive array of podiatric services for the health of whole family.

That includes pediatric foot care to ensure that your child’s feet are developing properly and are in step for the best possible start. We also provide conservative and surgical treatments for all foot health concerns, from acute injuries such as fractures and sprains, to chronic skin conditions and joint problems.  If you’ve never visited us before, we invite you to our friendly, modern practice that can accommodate appointments for all members of your family.

For a complete overview of the various family podiatric care services we offer at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care, please visit our website. You’ll find a wealth of information on conditions we treat, technology we employ, and the many treatments we provide.  We look forward to seeking you and your family and providing the utmost in expert foot and ankle care.