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!

Sports Injuries

Here in Soldotna, AK, our podiatrist office sees many injuries of the feet and ankles, including sports injuries. Sports injuries can occur in many people, including students during practice or games, professional athletes during sporting events, or people who participate in fitness or sports as recreation.

 

Injuries of the feet and ankles are more common among athletes because they use these parts of their bodies so much, requiring the use of them for stability and movement and subjecting them to an overuse injury. It also makes it more important that they see us as soon as they notice signs of an injury.

 

Some of the more common sports injuries we see here in our podiatrist office include:

 

1. Hip stress fractures

2. Pulled hamstring

3. Shin splints

4. Achilles tendonitis

5. Sprains and strains

6. Arch pain

7. Plantar Fasciitis

8. Knee injuries

9. Swollen muscles

10. Shin bone pain

11. Fractures

12. Dislocations

 

As soon as our patients get an injury, we first encourage them to stop their sport or running activity, get rest, and schedule an appointment to be seen in our Soldotna, AK podiatrist office. The faster we can diagnose the problem, the sooner we treat it and enable our patients to get back to physical activities.

 

Contact podiatrist Dr. Harry Cotler today to get help with your sports injuries.

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.