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!

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!

Custom Orthotics

Unlike shoe inserts that you can find at the store or order online, custom orthotics are devices prescribed by a doctor and crafted for your specific foot.  Designed to provide support and comfort to your feet after a thorough evaluation of your feet, ankles and legs, these orthotics can accommodate your unique foot structure and help prevent or treat a variety of conditions.

At Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care, we provide two types of orthotics: those meant to control abnormal motion and those meant to provide additional cushioning and support. Dr. Harry Cotler prescribes custom orthotics for many conditions, including bursitis, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, bunions, diabetic foot ulcers and foot, ankle and heel pain.

If you are suffering from one of these conditions, Dr. Cotler will examine your feet and how you walk. He will assess the movement and function of your lower extremities and even how your feet function when walking and running. In addition, he will listen to any complaints or concerns you have. This information will all help him design custom orthotics to help your feet and way of life. Clinical studies have shown that these devices are effective in decreasing foot pain and improving function.

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

Pediatric Foot Care

Our feet and ankles form the foundations that support our bodies and are responsible for our daily mobility, which is why at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care, we believe good foot and ankle care should begin early in life. Starting in infancy, it is important for parents to take proper measures to ensure good foot health for their children. With a few simple steps, you can keep your baby healthy from head to toe.

With young babies, it is important for parents to change their position several times a day and to look at his or her feet to see if anything looks abnormal. Exercise should also be provided for them. Lying uncovered allows the infant to kick and perform other movements that will prepare the feet for weight bearing. Leaving the child uncovered also prevents abnormal pressure on the feet. A young child’s feet are very pliable, and foot deformities can result from pressure placed on the feet by tight covers or too-small shoes. It is important to make sure your child’s shoes are flexible and fit properly and that sheets and blankets are loose when being used.

As your child ages, be aware of their walking patterns, which could signal any concerns. In addition, any foot pain or swelling without explanation should not be ignored. Foot deformities, such as club foot, require early medical intervention. If any problems arise, it is important to consult with Dr. Harry Cotler, who can address these concerns. From flat feet and juvenile bunions to ingrown toenails and other common foot problems, we specialize in the treatment of children and will work to make sure your children’s feet are happy and healthy.

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

Bunions

A bunion is a common foot condition characterized as a bump on the joint at the base of the big toe. This bump forms when the bone moves out of place, forcing the big toe to bend toward the others. Because this joint bears a lot of the body’s weight while walking and standing, bunions can cause a great deal of pain if left untreated. Not only can it become difficult to walk, but even wearing shoes can be a problem.

Bunions form when the force exerted on the joints and tendons in the foot is disrupted. Instability in the joint can cause the abnormality, as can years of abnormal motion and pressure in the joint. This means that the condition is a symptom of faulty foot development caused either by an improper gait or from inherited foot type.

If you are experiencing a firm bump on your inner foot at the base of the big toe or redness, swelling or pain near the joint, you have most likely developed a bunion and should schedule an appointment with our office immediately. Dr. Harry Cotler can provide you with treatment to stop the progression of the condition. Treatment options include padding of the bunion to minimize pain, taping the foot into normal position, physical therapy, custom orthotics and, in the most extreme cases, surgery.  

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

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is a common foot and ankle condition experienced by many people. One of the most important tendons in the leg, the posterior tibial tendon connects the calf muscle to the bones on the inside of the foot. Its main function is to support the arch of the foot while walking. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction occurs when this tendon becomes inflamed or torn, which can decrease support for the arch of the foot, resulting in flat feet.

 

Symptoms of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction usually occur after activity that requires heavy use of the tendon, such as running, hiking, climbing or walking. Symptoms include pain, swelling, flattening of the arch and an inward roll of the ankle. This ailment is generally progressive, and if left untreated can get worse.

 

When posterior tibial tendon dysfunction develops, it starts with pain on the inside of the foot and ankle. In addition, the area may be red, warm or swollen as well. As the dysfunction progresses and the arch begins to flatten, the pain may stay, but the foot and toes will begin to turn outward. This means that the ankle will roll inward as you walk and cause pain on the outside of the foot and below the ankle. Once the condition has deteriorated this far, it indicates that the tendon has deteriorated considerable and arthritis is developing.

 

While surgery might be required for more serious causes, if you come to our office early on, we may be able to help with only mild correction. Dr. Harry Cotler provides both non-invasive and surgical treatment for a variety of foot conditions. To schedule an appointment with this Soldotna podiatrist, call (907) 260-3668. For more information, visit www.HCotler.com. 

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis

While most bones in our body are connected to each other at joints, there are a few that are connected only to tendons or are embedded in muscle. These are called sesamoids. The largest one in the body is the patella (kneecap), but there are also two very small sesamoids in the feet. They are both found in the underside of the foot, with one behind the great toe and the other closer to the middle of the foot on the outside.

 

These sesamoids act as pulleys, providing a smooth surface for the tendons to slide over, which gives the tendons extra leverage and power. The sesamoids in the foot also elevate the bones of the great toe and assist in weight bearing. Without the sesamoids, the big toe loses some of its power and force.  

If the tendons that surround the sesamoids become irritated or inflamed, it is called sesamoiditis, which is a form of tendinitis common among ballet dancers, baseball catchers and runners. The most common symptom of sesamoiditis is pain underneath the big toe on the ball of the foot. This pain usually builds gradually over time and is accompanied by swelling and bruising. Symptoms are pressure related and are brought on by walking, running or jumping or when direct pressure is applied.

 

If you believe you have sesamoiditis in Soldotna, AK, schedule an appointment with our office for diagnosis. Dr. Harry Cotler can treat this condition in a variety of ways, from non-invasive to surgical. To schedule an appointment, call (907) 260-3668. For more information, visit www.HCotler.com. 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, and the most common one is osteoarthritis. While all the different types involve inflammation and swelling in and around the joints, osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is caused by wear and tear as you age. Usually occurring in the weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, knee and spine, osteoarthritis can also affect your hands and feet.

 

The most common places for osteoarthritis to occur in the foot are where the ankle and shinbone meet, the heel, mid-foot and the big toe. Symptoms often develop gradually and include aching and soreness in the joint (especially after long uses), stiffness, swelling and fluid accumulation.

Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men and in those older than 60. However, osteoarthritis has been diagnosed in much younger individuals in their 20s and 30s. Some factors increase an individual’s chance of developing the disease, including heredity, obesity and overuse of the joint.

 

There are several ways to treat osteoarthritis in the foot and ankle, including steroid injections, anti-inflammatory drugs, arch supports, canes, shoe inserts and more. If you are experiencing foot pain, schedule an appointment with our practice. We can help alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Harry Cotler, call (907) 260-3668. For more information, visit www.HCotler.com. 

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a painful foot condition caused by compression of the tibial nerve as it travels through the tarsal tunnel. The tarsal tunnel is the canal through which all the foot’s nerves, arteries and tendons that provide movement and flexibility reside. It is located between the medial malleolus (the bump on the inside of the ankle bone) and the flexor retinaculum (a band of ligaments that stretches across the foot). The tibial nerve resides in the tarsal tunnel and provides sensation to the bottom of the foot.

 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very painful, with symptoms in the foot that include a shooting pain, numbness or a tingling or burning sensation. The syndrome can be caused by injury, disease or even the natural shaping of the foot. The most common causes of tibial nerve compression are flat feet or fallen arches, swelling caused by an ankle sprain, swelling caused by arthritis or diabetes and an enlarged, abnormal foot structure. Examples of abnormal structures include varicose veins, ganglion cysts, swollen tendons or bone spurs. Tarsal tunnel syndrome tends to be most common in athletes or individuals who do a log of standing. These people tend to put an excessive amount of stress on the tarsal tunnel area, leading to compression.

 

If you have tarsal tunnel syndrome, our office can help. We offer both non-invasive and surgical treatment for a variety of foot conditions. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Harry Cotler by calling (907) 260-3668. For more information, visit www.HCotler.com.