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.

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.

Hammertoes

Hammertoe is a common podiatric issue that is characterized by the bending of the middle joint in the second, third or fourth toes. While hammertoes are still flexible when the condition first presents itself, if left untreated, they can become rigid, only treatable through surgery. If you have hammertoe, it is important to seek treatment immediately in order to avoid corns, calluses and discomfort, and Dr. Harry Cotler has the experience and expertise to provide effective treatment here in Soldotna, AK.

Hammertoes are commonly caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes or by a muscle imbalance in the foot in association with flat feet, injury or disease. Since muscles work in pairs to straighten and bend the toes, if the toe is bent and held in one position long enough, the muscles will tighten and be unable to stretch out. If left untreated, your toes can become rigid or develop open sores. The condition will not go away without treatment, and a visit to our office is imperative.  

At Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care, treatment for hammertoe usually starts with new shoes with soft and roomy toe boxes. Dr. Cotler may also prescribe exercises to do at home that stretch and strengthen the muscles, such as manually stretching the toes. In severe cases, surgery may be required, but only if conservative measures have already failed.

To schedule an appointment with our office, call 907-260-FOOT (3668). For more information, visit www.HCotler.com.

Bunions

A bunion is a common foot condition characterized as a bump on the joint at the base of the big toe. This bump forms when the bone moves out of place, forcing the big toe to bend toward the others. Because this joint bears a lot of the body’s weight while walking and standing, bunions can cause a great deal of pain if left untreated. Not only can it become difficult to walk, but even wearing shoes can be a problem.

Bunions form when the force exerted on the joints and tendons in the foot is disrupted. Instability in the joint can cause the abnormality, as can years of abnormal motion and pressure in the joint. This means that the condition is a symptom of faulty foot development caused either by an improper gait or from inherited foot type.

If you are experiencing a firm bump on your inner foot at the base of the big toe or redness, swelling or pain near the joint, you have most likely developed a bunion and should schedule an appointment with our office immediately. Dr. Harry Cotler can provide you with treatment to stop the progression of the condition. Treatment options include padding of the bunion to minimize pain, taping the foot into normal position, physical therapy, custom orthotics and, in the most extreme cases, surgery.  

To schedule an appointment, call 907-260-FOOT (3668). For more information, visit www.HCotler.com.

Running Injuries

Now that the weather is starting to get a little nicer, we thought we’d let you know about some common running injuries and how you can best prevent them this summer. Whether you are a professional athlete or just a weekend warrior, there is always the chance that you could get hurt. The best way to prevent injuries is to prepare, work smart and recover.

Running is a great way to release some endorphins, get outside and get healthy, but if you’re not properly preparing yourself, you could find yourself on a doctor’s table pretty quickly. The most common running-related foot injuries are:

• Shin Splints – pain that occurs in the front or inside of the lower leg along the shin bone. Treatment includes rest, stretching and a slow return to your normal level of activity
• Achilles Tendinitis – this inflammation occurs in the Achilles tendon and causes pain and stiffness in the area of the tendon. Treatment includes rest, cold compress on the afflicted area and calf stretches
• Plantar Fasciitis –inflammation in the plantar fascia tissue that causes a great deal of pain during physical activity. Treatment should include calf stretches, rest and cold compress to the afflicted area
• Blisters – these fluid filled sacks occur due to friction between shoes/socks and skin. If you have blister problems, consider getting new shoes, wearing socks with a double layer and apply petroleum jelly on areas prone to blisters

If you have suffered any running injuries, take a minute to think about how important your feet are to you and your daily life. If you are in pain and your home remedies are not working, schedule an appointment with us at Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care by calling (907) 260-3668. 

Fun Facts/Common Foot Disorders

Did you know that there are a quarter of all the body bones just in your feet? There are 52 bones, 66 joints, 214 ligaments and 38 muscles in both of your feet alone. When you compare that to the rest of your body, it’s kind of astounding. Think about how all of those parts work together to just take one step, in fact, every time your heel lifts off the ground it forces the toes to carry one half of your body weight.

 

The Institute for Preventative Foot Health did a study that showed nearly 80 percent of people ages 21 and older have had at least one foot related problem in their life. The study was conducted in 2012 and surveyed 1,456 people. Here are the top-5 biggest foot problems of the participants:

1. Athlete’s foot – nearly 25% of the people in the study said they have experienced athlete’s foot at least once in their life
2. Achy feet – 26% of those surveyed said they have trouble with sore, achy feet. This usually occurs with age and is treatable through Podiatry
3. Calluses – 27% reported issues with calluses. Calluses occur on the sole of the feet and is usually caused by friction
4. Blisters – 28% noted problems with blisters. Blisters also form from friction but often occur more frequently and are more like a wound
5. Ankle sprain – 31% of participants reported problems with sprained ankles. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reported that 25,000 Americans sprain an ankle every day

If you would like to read more about common foot problems, you can visit our website here. We have provided extensive information about common foot problems that are treated at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care with Dr. Harry Cotler in Soldotna, AK.

Tendinitis

Your feet are one of the most important parts of your body, but are you taking care of the like you should? When your feet hit the ground in the morning, are you in pain? Do you experience pain when you walk, run or even just standing? Tendinitis is one of the most common foot conditions out there right now and if it’s treated properly, it can lead to very serious foot conditions. At Affiliated Ankle & Foot Care, we take pride in how we care for our patients so if you’re in pain, come in and we’ll take a look.

 

Tendinitis results from an injury, most likely sustained due to overuse. Improper stretching prior to exertion or incorrect form during physical activity can also contribute to this condition. Tendinitis mostly affects the tendons that connect your muscles to bone. In some cases, people suffer from Achilles tendinitis. This inflammation in the Achilles tendon is very painful and is very common amongst active adults.

 

If you are trying home remedies for the pain and it’s not working, it’s time to visit us. When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Cotler will complete a physical examination of your feet and ankles. If necessary, an X-ray will be taken in order to properly diagnose your condition. If inflammation is found, Dr. Cotler will devise a treatment plan that will include immobilization, cold compresses and even medication if necessary.