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. 

Soft tissue masses and tumors

Soft tissue masses and tumors

Soft tissue masses and tumors are diagnosed and treated here in our Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care office by our podiatrist Dr. Harry Cotler. These masses or tumors are identified as thickening and hardening of one part of skin, typically found under the ball of the foot.

 

Soft tissue masses and tumors can be caused by friction and pressure on that particular area. Many people find that they get these types of tissue masses from the shoes they wear, or because they have hammertoes or bunions. While complications from soft tissue masses and tumors aren’t entirely common, they can occur without proper treatment.

 

Before treating these masses, we must first diagnose them. If you show any of the following symptoms, now is a good time to visit us for an examination:

• Rough, thick and hardening of the skin
• Soreness, pain or tenderness in the area
• Redness around the lump
• A raised, hardened lump on the foot or toes
• Flaky and dry skin

The type of mass and how long the patient has had it determines the best treatment plan. We offer custom orthotics and shoe inserts if these soft tissue masses are caused by lack of shoe support, and we can also tape the foot if there is too much pain and pressure.

 

Visit our podiatrist Dr. Harry Cotler in Soldotna, AK to get started on your treatment for soft tissue masses and tumors.

Soft tissue masses and tumors

Soft tissue masses and tumors

Soft tissue masses and tumors are diagnosed and treated here in our Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care office by our podiatrist Dr. Harry Cotler. These masses or tumors are identified as thickening and hardening of one part of skin, typically found under the ball of the foot.

 

Soft tissue masses and tumors can be caused by friction and pressure on that particular area. Many people find that they get these types of tissue masses from the shoes they wear, or because they have hammertoes or bunions. While complications from soft tissue masses and tumors aren’t entirely common, they can occur without proper treatment.

 

Before treating these masses, we must first diagnose them. If you show any of the following symptoms, now is a good time to visit us for an examination:

• Rough, thick and hardening of the skin
• Soreness, pain or tenderness in the area
• Redness around the lump
• A raised, hardened lump on the foot or toes
• Flaky and dry skin

The type of mass and how long the patient has had it determines the best treatment plan. We offer custom orthotics and shoe inserts if these soft tissue masses are caused by lack of shoe support, and we can also tape the foot if there is too much pain and pressure.

 

Visit our podiatrist Dr. Harry Cotler in Soldotna, AK to get started on your treatment for soft tissue masses and tumors.

Hammertoes

Hammertoes

Like bunions, hammertoes are a deformity of the foot that may result from a long time of poor footwear choice, an injury or underlying medical condition, or genetics. Hammertoes are otherwise different from bunions in the way they appear and affect the feet. They can be identified through the claw or hammer shaped curve of a toe.  Patients affected by hammertoes will feel pain when waking and they may also find it difficult to move the toe, they may also notice swelling, redness and issues with calluses or corns.

Hammertoes can be treated with both conservative and surgical treatments, but the most effective method will be determined by the severity of the deformity.  If left untreated, hammertoes can easily progress and result in more pain and complications in mobility. For this reason, if you or someone in your family appears to be affected by hammer toes or experiences any form of foot pain, make an appointment with us at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care.  We’ll determine whether or not there is an issue and provide the most effective treatment options.