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. 

Flatfoot

Flatfoot is a deformity in which the arch of the foot collapses, with the entire sole of the foot coming into contact with the ground. In some individuals, the arch simply never develops in one foot or both feet. Tendons attach the heel and foot bones to cause the arch. When the tendons do not pull together properly, there is little or no arch, causing flatfoot.

 

This condition is common in both children and adults and is treatable. Adults often suffer from flat foot that is caused by stretched or torn tendons, broken or dislocated bones, obesity, diabetes and aging. In some cases, those suffering from flat feet will have no problems or symptoms at all, they require no treatment. Many other patients experience the following symptoms:

• Pain along the course of the PT tendon which lies on the inside of the foot and ankle
• Pain that worsens with activity
• Swollen feet
• Back and leg pain

Those suffering from flat foot are often unable to properly support bodyweight properly, causing extreme pressure in the joints in the ankles, knees and hips. At Affiliated Foot and Ankle Care Center, we can provide various treatment options that include stretching exercises, orthotic devices and more. Our competent staff is well versed in the diagnosis and treatment of flatfoot, call (907) 260-3668 today to schedule an appointment!

Achilles Tendonitis

If you are suffering from painful swelling in the back of the foot, just above the heel, you might be experiencing Achilles Tendonitis issues. This condition affects millions of Americans, from athletes to couch potatoes. At Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care Center, we see and treat this condition quite regularly.

 

This condition affects the Achilles tendon, which is the strongest and largest tendon in the body. It also connects the leg to the foot as it stretches from the lower leg to the heel bone. The Achilles tendon is crucial to sustaining normal walking patters as it allows the foot to rise up on the toes.

This condition typically develops gradually as the tendon inflammation and may include one or more of the following three stages:

• Peritenonitis – an inflammatory and fibrous reaction between the tendon and the paratenon (areolar tissue filling the space between a tendon and its sheath). It may occur by itself or in conjunction with tendinosis.
• Tendinosis ­– typically an asymptomatic stage that may result in a nodule, or know to swelling at the back of the leg
• Peritenonitis with tendinosis - this stage may lead to a rupture of the tendon and it is characterized by pain and swelling during and after activity.

Similarly to most medical conditions, Achilles tendonitis is best treated early in its development. If you are experiencing pain and/or swelling in this region, a consultation with Dr. Harry Cotler will give you the best chance for a full recovery. You can schedule an appointment at our Soldotna, AK practice by calling (907) 260-3886 or visit us online at www.hcotler.com to learn more about our practice!

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.

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.