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. 

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!

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. 

 

Conservative and Surgical Management of the Foot

Conservative and Surgical Management of the Foot

Here at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care we provide our patients with a great variety of podiatric care options, including both conservative and surgical management of the foot.  While surgery is the most effective and necessary choice for certain conditions, we do our best to provide you with a full range of conservative treatments that provide manageability and relief. Our advanced diagnostic services and technology paired with professional experience and expertise will able us to outline the best method of treatment.

Whether you or a member of your family needs surgery for bunions, orthotics for fallen arches, laser treatment for nail fungus, medicated treatment for athlete’s foot, or urgent care for a sprain, we can provide you with appropriate care. We also provide specialized foot care for diabetic needs.

If you have a foot or ankle condition that is in need of care, let us help you determine an effective conservative or surgical treatment. Please visit our website for details on our care capabilities and complete contact information.       

 

Bunions

A bunion is a common foot problem that describes an internal deformity of the foot.  A bunion can develop as the result of an injury, years of improper footwear, genetic reasons, or a combination of these causes.  The problem with bunions is that they cause pain, discomfort and even mobility issues.  Without treatment, bunions can easily progress and grow worse—that’s why a professional podiatric evaluation is so important.  While some bunion cases may require surgery, conservative treatments can sometimes successfully manage the issue of bunions.  If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms, please make an appointment here at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care to find out if you need bunion care:  

•     You see or feel a bump or bulge just below the big toe

•     You notice a thicker callused skin at the base of the big toe, epically when compared to other parts of the sole

•     Prominent or reoccurring corns and calluses between the big toe and the second toe

•     Pain when wearing shoes and walking

•     Difficulty moving the toe or any overlap that occurs between the big toe and the second toe.