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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.