Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes has many effects on feet, and it is extremely important that any diabetic seek podiatric care. Here at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care Center, Dr. Cotler has a wealth of experience in assisting diabetic patients with their foot care.

 

Diabetes is a condition that affects many organs and systems in the body. Feet are the first place where effects of diabetes are seen, mainly because they are the furthest extremities from the heart. It is a well-known fact that one of the first systemic conditions that diabetes effects is the circulatory system. Dr. Cotler specializes in disorders of the foot and ankle and therefore is highly trained to examine for abnormalities of the lower extremity.

 

Many times podiatrists are the first doctors to diagnose vascular disease and neuropathy in the lower extremities. Diabetes can cause both of these systemic disorders and by seeing a podiatrist, the feet, which are most affected by diabetes, can be cared for on a regular basis. Often a small problem can be diagnosed and treated at an early stage and helps prevent the condition from progressing to a more serious disorder.

 

If you suffer from diabetes, it is crucial that you ensure foot health by working with a podiatrist. This will truly reduce the likelihood of an infection. Preventative care is the best step you could take if you have diabetes. 

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.