Hammertoe

Hammertoes are identified as a bending of the joints of the second, third, fourth and fifth toes. It is an abnormal bending that can cause various problems to develop, including pain and swelling due to the pressure from shoes. To diagnose hammertoes, Dr. Harry Cotler will look for common signs, like inflammation, redness, pain when wearing shoes, corns and calluses on the toes or the ball of the foot, and possibly open sores in some cases. His practice, Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center offers hammertoe treatments for patients of all ages in Soldotna, AK.

Treatment for hammertoes begins with an examination by Dr. Cotler. The symptoms of hammertoes can worsen over time, making treatment essential. Treatments provided by Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center include creating custom orthotic footwear, providing padding for calluses or corns that form on the hammertoe, suggesting alternative footwear, trimming calluses and corns, and offering medications for the toe.

Surgery is also available for hammertoes, though it is rarely needed and only provided to patients who have a severe case. Patients benefit from seeking hammertoe treatment Dr. Cotler because they are getting treatments from an experienced podiatrist. He is able to treat the symptoms of hammertoes, determine if surgery if needed, and help prevent further complications, like friction from the patient’s shoes that can make them even more painful. If you have the signs of hammertoes, contact Dr. Cotler for more information about hammertoes treatments.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Harry Cotler for your hammertoes by calling (907) 260-3668 or learn more about Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center in Soldotna, AK at www.hcotler.com.

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. 

Morton's Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma is a condition that makes it feel like you are “walking on a marble.”  This condition usually forms between the third and fourth toes. It is caused by irritation, trauma or excessive pressure. Morton’s Neuroma is eight to ten times more likely to occur in women than men because of their shoe choices.

 

If you are suffering from Morton’s Neuroma, there are no outward symptoms such as a bump or bulge. Common symptoms include a burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling or numbness sensation in the toes and a feeling of something inside the ball of the foot. The symptoms occur gradually and will intensify with overuse or improper footwear. You can temporarily diminish the pain by massaging the foot or by avoiding the activities that brought on the pain.

 

If symptoms persist or worsen over time, is might be time to visit us at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center. Treatment can come in many forms, such as:

• Changes in footwear – avoiding high heels or tight shoes enables the bones to spread out and may reduce pressure on the nerve, giving it time to heal
• Custom orthotics – custom shoe inserts and pads can be prescribed to relieve irritation. The orthotics will lift and separate the bones, reducing pressure on the nerve
• Injections – Corticosteroid medication can be prescribed to reduce swelling and inflammation in the nerve

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. 

Hammertoes

Hammertoe is a common podiatric issue that is characterized by the bending of the middle joint in the second, third or fourth toes. While hammertoes are still flexible when the condition first presents itself, if left untreated, they can become rigid, only treatable through surgery. If you have hammertoe, it is important to seek treatment immediately in order to avoid corns, calluses and discomfort, and Dr. Harry Cotler has the experience and expertise to provide effective treatment here in Soldotna, AK.

Hammertoes are commonly caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes or by a muscle imbalance in the foot in association with flat feet, injury or disease. Since muscles work in pairs to straighten and bend the toes, if the toe is bent and held in one position long enough, the muscles will tighten and be unable to stretch out. If left untreated, your toes can become rigid or develop open sores. The condition will not go away without treatment, and a visit to our office is imperative.  

At Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care, treatment for hammertoe usually starts with new shoes with soft and roomy toe boxes. Dr. Cotler may also prescribe exercises to do at home that stretch and strengthen the muscles, such as manually stretching the toes. In severe cases, surgery may be required, but only if conservative measures have already failed.

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

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