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!

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. 

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathy in the feet causes a variety of side effects, including burning, achiness and redness. This can be caused by diabetes, having dermatitis, Athlete’s feet or overexertion without wearing the proper footwear. Here at our podiatry office, we offer burning and neuropathic pain treatments in the form of diabetic foot care, necessary surgical procedures, treating infections and treating the exact cause of the burning pain. Physical therapy and rehabilitation treatments are highly effective with this type of foot problem.

Patients who experience the following symptoms are encouraged to consider podiatry care for their burning foot pain:

• Diabetes patients with any type of foot pain.


• Burning pain in one or both feet.


• Foot pain severe enough to affect sleep.


• Patients who want to find alternatives for their foot pain.


• Being unsteady while walking.


• Previously having a fall due to the pain in the foot.

Our treatment plans deal with short-term pain relief and long-term solutions. This is why we incorporate physical therapy as part of the treatment for burning and neuropathic pain of the feet.

Call Dr. Harry Cotler at 907-260-3668 (FOOT) to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing burning or neuropathic pain in your feet.

Infections and Ulcerations

Infections and ulcerations are a common foot condition we see in our podiatry office. Whether from diabetes or conditions that make patients prone to infection, our goal is to treat the foot as quickly and painlessly as possible.  

Foot infections and ulcerations tend to be more common in our diabetic patients, as patients with uncontrolled diabetes are prone to ulcers that can lead to infections if they are left untreated. The ulcer occurs when the skin of the foot breaks down and reveals the tissue underneath. Because it is an open sore, it can lead to infection.

To treat infections and ulcerations, Dr. Harry Cotler begins by covering the ulcer with a dressing if it is caught before an infection occurs. It must be cleaned and dressed regularly to avoid infection. Special shoes may also need to be worn and patients are asked to be careful with their foot and avoid strenuous activities that can worsen the condition. If the ulcer is infected, the infected tissue may need to be removed, the pus may need to be drained, and antibiotics are typically prescribed. If you suspect you have an ulcer or infection of the foot, visit our office in Soldotna, AK right away to receive important treatment.

Trauma and Athletic Injuries

Here at the Dr. Harry Cotler podiatry office, we treat feet and ankles for many different types of injuries. Some of them are sores or infections due to diabetes, while others are from medical conditions that cause chronic pain. We also see many patients with trauma and athletic injuries. Treatment depends on the cause of the injury and what type of injury it is.

There are a lot of possible trauma and athletic injuries that can occur both with children and adults, including ankle fractures and sprains, heel pain, dislocations, ligament injuries, plantar fasciitis, muscle strain, stress fractures, shin splints, tendon pathology, turf toe and tendonitis. The feet and ankles are especially at risk during various types of contact sports and athletic activities, including running.

After diagnosing the type of athletic injury, our podiatrist, Dr. Harry Cotler, decides on the best course of treatment. In some cases, a cast or brace is enough to keep a fracture secured until it begins healing, while a support bandage works well for a muscle strain. We also provide x-rays over the healing period to make sure the bones are healing properly and are not shifting.

Patients who experience trauma and athletic injuries are encouraged to visit us in Soldotna, AK for an examination and treatment options.

Tendon and Joint Pain

Tendon and joint pain in the foot is a common complaint of our patients here at the Dr. Harry Cotler podiatry clinic. There are three main areas of the foot where pain and injuries are felt: the toes, the forefoot and the hindfoot.

The most common types of injuries to the feet and ankles have to do with the tendons, ligaments and joints because they go through so much with regular physical activity every day. The tendons of the foot help connect the muscles to the joints and bones, with the Achilles tendon being the largest tendon, stretching from the calf muscle to the heel. Tendons in the foot can tear, causing severe pain for the patient.

The following treatments are recommended for various types of tendon and joint pain in the foot:

1. Apply an ice pack and resting the foot.

2. Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

3. Perform stretching exercises of the Achilles tendons.

4. Wrap the foot in bandages or using supportive devices.

5. Perform in-clinic massage and stretching.

6. Undergo surgery in the more severe cases.

If you have pain in your foot or ankle and suspect tendon and joint pain being the cause, call us at 907-260-3668 (FOOT) to make an appointment.

Neuromas

A neuroma is a condition that occurs when a nerve becomes pinched and is extremely painful for individuals suffering from it. Neuromas are caused by stress to the body system.  This can develop from a trauma that damages the nerve, causing it to swell and become inflamed, a biochemical deformity, or from not wearing the right footwear. Many patients who come to see Dr. Harry Cotler in Soldotna, AK are looking for treatment for foot disorders, including neuromas.

Some symptoms of neuromas are pain in the feet between the toes, swelling between the toes, tingling and numbness, and pain in the ball of the foot. Some of our patients describe it as a feeling of walking on a marble. Before seeking treatment from our clinic, we suggest some home remedies like resting your foot, getting more supportive footwear and taking over-the-counter medications. Once patients are able to see us, we provide these treatment options:

1. X-rays of the foot to look for other causes of the pain.

2. Anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections.

3. Taping the ball of the foot to reduce pain.

4. Custom-made shoe inserts.

5. Surgical procedures for more severe pain.

Contact our office at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care at (907) 260-3668 (Foot) if you have questions about neuromas and the treatments we provide.

Reconstructive Foot Surgery

Reconstructive foot surgery is a type of treatment that helps our patients find relief from various types of pain. Patients may be experiencing foot pain from a recent trauma, accident, a congenital abnormality, arthritis, infection, or simply from wearing the wrong footwear that is too narrow for them. With reconstructive foot surgery, Dr. Harry Cotler is able to restore the stability and function in the foot, while relieving the pain and discomfort from these different conditions.

There are different types of reconstructive foot surgery procedures, which vary based on the problem our patient is experiencing. These procedures include a fusing a bone in the foot, removing a tumor, transferring tendon, implanting joints and others. Because of the advanced form of surgical procedures, reconstructive foot surgery procedures are only considered when other treatments have failed. Many of the conservative treatments we provide our patients will work, but other cases are more severe and need reconstructive foot surgery.

Here at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care, we give our patients surgical options (such as joint surgery for patients with severe arthritis that is keeping them from walking properly) for improving the mobility and function of their feet when other procedures have not worked,. Visit our website at www.hcotler.com to find out more about reconstructive foot surgery.

Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are not always extremely painful, but can be aesthetically displeasing and sometimes cause discomfort for patients. We have many patients visit us who desire treatment for the corns or calluses on their feet, which occur when there is a type of friction or pressure from footwear. Corns and calluses can sometimes go away on their own, but in more severe cases, Dr. Harry Cotler provides treatment in Soldotna, AK.

Corns and calluses are both caused from friction and pressure on a specific area of skin. Because of the pressure, the skin on the foot dies and provides a hard surface to protect it. The majority of corns and calluses are the result of pressure from shoes:

• ·         Wearing shoes that are too tight.


• ·         Wearing shoes that are too narrow.


• ·         Loose shoes that cause rubbing and friction.


• ·         Shoes with thin soles, creating pressure on the ball of the foot.


• ·         Wearing shoes without socks.


• ·         Sandals causing friction between the toes.


• ·         Shoes with a seam or stitch rubbing against the foot.

Patients who have diabetes, or other medical conditions that cause bad circulation in the feet, should visit our Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care podiatry office as soon as they notice corns or calluses. Contact us for more information on corns and calluses.

Heel Spurs

Patients who are experiencing a hard calcium deposit under their heel bone may be dealing with heel spurs. For some patients, they are painless and hardly noticeable, but they can be quite painful for others. Some heel spurs protrude a half-inch, which is visible on an X-ray. Patients often have heel spurs along with a condition called plantar fasciitis, which causes inflammation of the connective tissue under the ball of the foot to the heel.

Some people are at a higher risk of getting heel spur, including patients who are overweight, wear improper footwear without arch support, run or jog on hard surfaces or have a walking gait abnormality. Patients who are older, have diabetes or have flat feet are also at risk.

We provide multiple treatment options for patients with heel spurs here at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care in Soldotna, AK beginning with orthotics that are custom made. Orthotics are custom shoe inserts for different types of shoes. Changing our patient’s footwear may also be required. After orthotics, Dr. Harry Cotler also provides prescription medications like anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections. Surgery may also be necessary to reduce or remove the heel spurs, if they are causing or patient severe pain. Visit our website at www.hcotler.com or call us at (907) 260-3668 (Foot) to learn more about heel spurs and the treatment options.

Lower Extremity Vascular Examinations

If you have been experiencing pain or cramping in your legs and hip muscles while walking, it might be due to a condition of the legs and feet called peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Here at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care, we use lower extremity vascular examinations to look for this and similar conditions. PAD occurs when there is build up on the walls of your arteries that carry blood to your legs, as well as feet. When this occurs, it causes cramping of your legs and hips.

Our vascular examinations use a lower extremity Doppler, photoplethysmography (PPG), and pulse volume (PV) to properly diagnose your lower extremity conditions. It lets us get an accurate diagnosis without having to guess the cause of your pain and discomfort. As part of the examination, our podiatrist, Dr. Harry Cotler, will look at your feet and ankles, including between your toes to see if you have ulcers or scars, at the skin on your feet, your arch and your heels. This physical examination combined with our advanced technology lets us determine the best course of action for treatment.

Call our podiatry office today at (907) 260-3668 (Foot) to schedule an appointment for a lower extremity vascular examination.

3DO Foot Imaging

Foot and ankle issues require modern technology for a proper diagnosis. We use 3DO Foot Imaging here at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care to accomplish this. While ultrasounds are also performed here in our podiatry office, we believe that the 3DO imaging system helps us get the most accurate diagnosis.  With this technology, we can help you discover optimal treatment options. This technology uses 2D and 3D gait analysis, advanced software, neutral positioning, reliable and consistent data, and quick scans of the foot and ankle.

The following covers what the 3DO Foot Imaging technology provides:

1. 3D plantar surfacing

2.  Pressure analysis

3.  Gait analysis

4.  Mass displacement analysis

5.  Body balance analysis

By choosing our Seldotna, AK podiatry office, you benefit by having the most advanced technology available for foot and ankle care. After using this fantastic machine, we will provide you with an accurate diagnosis and move on to possible treatment options. If surgery is not required, we will not recommend it. Our goal is to provide you with the easiest and less invasive treatments available. Visit our website www.hcotler.com or office today to get started on your treatment.

Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Care

Here at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care, we provide comprehensive foot and ankle care. Our facilities provide you with the best care available in the Seldotna, AK area. There are many conditions that lead to pain, discomfort, numbness, or tingling of the foot and ankle and we are more than happy to help you find relief.

Services in our podiatry office include surgery on the foot, arches or ankle, reconstruction of flat feet, bracing, 3D imaging, treatment after a sports or personal injury, care of your diabetic feet, and custom-made orthopedics. If you have any of the following conditions, you should come into our office:

• Corns


• Warts


• Toenail conditions


• Calluses


• Hammertoes


• Pediatric foot issues


• Plantar fascia


• Heel pain


• Fractures

Harry Cotler, our podiatrist, is skilled at taking care for all types of foot and ankle problems. Whether you are experiencing pain from a fallen arch, or you recently had an ankle fracture from high school football, we can help you get relief. Treatments include surgical and non-surgical for the least invasive procedure possible. Call us today at (907) 260-3668 (Foot) to schedule a consultation.

Medical and Surgical Treatment of Arch Disorders

Foot pain is often the result of the arch.  This is particularly commonly in patients with fallen arches, otherwise known as flat feet. At Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care, we provide a wide range of medical and surgical treatment of arch disorders, pain, and discomfort. Due to your arches, you may develop another condition called plantar fasciitis, which causes pain and inflammation from the arch to the heel. Our treatment options will help you find from arch-related foot pain.

We provide both surgical and non-surgical treatment options for arch disorders. The following surgeries may be required if medical treatment is not reducing your pain or discomfort:

• Excision to remove spurs


• Lateral column lengthening for creating a natural arch


• Tendon transfer to form an arch by pulling tendons in your foot


• Synovectomy to clean the protective coverings of your foot’s tendons

Arch disorders and other foot conditions cause moderate to severe pain. They may be worse when you are walking or standing on your feet for a long time, but we recommend regular physical activity along with other lifestyle changes. To find out more about treatment options for arch disorders, visit our office in Seldotna, AK.

Flat Feet

Do you have flat feet?  This condition commonly affects children that don’t develop arches as they grow.  Flatfeet can also occur after injury or due to the simple wear and tear of age.  People with flat feet have virtually no arch in their foot, so the entire sole comes into contact with the ground.  Although the condition is painless, it can contribute to a number of problems that affect your ankles and knees when walking or wearing shoes. 

It is important for children to have their feet examined as they develop.  While it is common for infants and toddlers to have flat feet, children in grade school should begin to show development of an arch.  Adults should also schedule an examination after a foot injury, as arches can fall due to weakened or injured tendons. 

Flat feet can be treated with orthotic arches, therapeutic stretches, and adequate footwear.  While orthotic arches reduce pain, therapeutic stretches can be used to strengthen tendons.  With proper care and foot support, you can properly treat fallen arches and prevent pain.

If you suspect flat feet may be the cause of your discomfort, or you are concerned about your child’s foot development, please visit my practice for a complete exam.

Plantar Fasciitis

When heel pain affects your ability to carry out routine tasks, it can quickly become frustrating.  For many active patients, heel pain is a sign of a common inflammatory condition known as plantar faciitis.  While the condition is common, it is very important to seek proper care and treatment.

Poor foot mechanics, insufficient footwear support, arthritis, stress fractures and nerve issues can all cause plantar faciitis to develop.  Since there are a number of factors that can contribute to the condition, it is important to visit my practice for a professional podiatry exam.  This is the best way to determine the root cause of the issue and find a treatment that is best for your needs.  We offer a number of comprehensive treatments to patients who are seeking relief from plantar faciitis.

If you have been experiencing heel pain, or you are in need of any other type of foot or ankle care, please call us at (907) 260-3668 and schedule your appointment. 

Tendonitis

Repetitive impacts or severe injuries can cause tendonitis, a familiar condition to many athletes that push themselves to give their best performance on a regular basis.  The Achilles tendon is the biggest tendon in your body, connecting your calf muscle to your heel.  It makes it possible for you to rise up on your toes or push off when walking or running.  When this tendon becomes irritated and inflamed from overuse or injury, movement becomes painful.

Tendonitis isn’t limited to athletes.  Anyone who exercises regularly or pushes themselves to new levels of exertion is prone to inflammation.  Risk of tendonitis also increases with age, as tendons lose elasticity over time.  If you are experiencing tendonitis, it is important to seek professional care.  I encourage patients experiencing any foot pain to visit my practice where we can explore the treatment options available to you.

Skin and Nail Disorders

The foot is a highly resilient part of the body that is subjected to some serious demands and circumstances that can lead to a number of skin and nail disorders.  While many of these disorders can be uncomfortable and unsightly, the good news is that they’re typically easy to treat with professional podiatric care. Here at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care, we offer a complete array of services for skin and nail disorders that affect the foot, including:

• Allergic Contact Dermatitis


• Athletes Foot


• Calluses


• Infections


• Ingrown Toenails


• Plantar Warts


• Xerosis


• And many others

If you are affected by any of these conditions, contact us and arrange an appointment here at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care.

Diagnostic Ultrasound

As our current patients know, our podiatry practice seeks the most efficient, accommodating and advanced technology.  One such example is our diagnostic ultrasound capability.  Diagnostic ultrasound allows us examine the feet and ankles with considerable clarity, and subsequently provide an accurate and prompt diagnosis. This is accomplished through soft tissue sonography, which provides even greater insight into foot conditions and abnormal tissue than traditional x-rays.

If you are experiencing any manner of foot pain, deformation, or you have noticed anything unusual regarding the health and structure of your foot, ask us how a diagnostic ultrasound could help.  

Laser Therapy and Care

As you may have read in our press release on our K-Laser capabilities, our podiatry practice is fully equipped to provide our patients with complete laser therapy and care for common foot and ankle injury.  Laser therapy is a highly efficient, safe and noninvasive method of treatment for inflammation, injury and pain. Out patients also benefit from laser therapy thanks to its ability to stimulate internal cells and thereby expedite healing and reduce scaring.

We recommend laser therapy and care to our athletic podiatry patients and any individual who may be recovering from an acute foot or ankle injury. Please contact us directly for details.