Haglund's Deformity

Haglund’s Deformity, sometimes called “pump hump” is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel bone. This condition is most common in women who wear pump-style shoes. The shape of the foot can also contribute to the development of this condition. If you have high arches, a tight Achilles tendon or a tendency to walk on the outside area of your feet, you are more likely to develop Haglund’s Deformity.

 

The inflammation on the back of the heel is caused when the soft tissue around the Achilles tendon becomes irritated. Irritation in this area is often the result of pressure caused by the back of pump-style shoes. Those suffering from Haglund’s Deformity often exhibit the following symptoms:

• Enlarged bony prominence on the back of the heel
• Heel pain
• Blisters on the heels
• Swelling in the back of the heel and redness or inflamed tissue at the site of the swelling

Our team at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center will carefully examine your feet and record a thorough medical history evaluation. There are many treatment options available, these options include shoe modification, medication, immobilization and in extreme cases, surgery. When home remedies do not work or the bump continues to enlarge, it’s time to seek medical attention from a podiatrist. Call today to schedule an appointment with our team. 

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.

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!

Brachymetatarsia

Brachymetatarsia, also known as “short toe” is a condition where there is a growth disturbance to a bone in the foot, creating a short toe. If more than one of the long bones of the foot is affected, it is known as brachymetapody. A short fourth toe is most common, though it could affect any toe.  The toe itself is usually normal length, but the bone the toe attaches to in the arch (metatarsal bone) is short.  A really short toe can be described as a floating toe.

 

Patients who suffer from brachymetatarsia are often in considerable pain. The toe will sit higher up on the foot and can become irritated in shoes. Weight distribution of the ball of the foot is also altered with short toe, causing pain and pressure calluses. Patients suffering from this condition tend to hide their feet and avoid going barefoot.

 

There are treatment options available for those with pain or embarrassment caused by brachymetatarsia; both surgical and non-surgical options are offered. At Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care Center, we often start with custom orthotics may in order to properly distribute the weight across the foot while in motion. The surgical grafting of bone to lengthen the short toe may also be an option in some cases. Contact us today to learn how we can help you regain a greater sense of balance and a smoother range of motion.

 

Visit us online at www.hcotler.com or call our Soldotna, AK office at (907) 260-3668 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Harry Cotler! 

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.