Foot Infections

Foot infections can come from different sources: a metabolic condition (such as diabetes, peripheral vascular diseases, etc) or trauma to the foot.

In both cases, the infection has to be treated immediately. If not, the infection can spread and more drastic measures might need to be taken.

Infections ordinarily develop after the foot’s skin has been injured or wounded. From there, the affected area becomes inflamed as a normal and protective response from the body’s immune system. When damaged tissue is irritated, the immune system will increase blood flow to the area. This is what causes swelling, redness and warmth. The extra blood (swelling) may end up putting pressure near the affected areas which may cause further discomfort.

This is different from an inflammation as those tend to occur in the joints or extremities. Inflammations may happen when a part of the body is overused. Inflammation may also accompany an injury.

Initially, it may be hard to tell an infection and inflammation apart. Therefore it’s vital to evaluate the symptoms the moment they begin appearing.

There are also different forms of infections that one can get and each needs to be addressed and looked after.

A common one is a fungal infection — more commonly known as athlete’s foot. Next, is a viral infection which can come from a wound in a plantar wart. This is a reminder to never pick at warts as this may lead to an infection and will actually worsen the case.

There are also skin infections (cellulitis). A pus-filled pocket could form under the skin surface or deep within the tissue. This is called an abscess. These are quite tricky because you don’t want them to pop under the skin’s surface or without proper medical supervision as this could lead to a graver and more severe infection.

There could be a joint infection (such as septic arthritis), bursa infection ( septic bursitis), and bone infection (osteomyelitis).

If you have any of these symptoms, you could have a foot infection:

• Increased pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth around the affected area
• Red streaks extending from the affected area
• Pus draining from the area
• Fever

If you have, or think you may have a foot infection, please don’t hesitate, call Family Foot Center at 718-767-5555. CALL NOW!