Foot Infection

What are foot and ankle infections?

Foot and ankle infections occur when harmful bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms invade the tissues of the foot or ankle. Infections may affect the skin, nails, soft tissues, tendons, joints, or bones.

Some infections are minor and can be treated with medication and local wound care, while others may become serious and require advanced treatment, including surgical intervention.

Patients with diabetes, neuropathy, poor circulation, or weakened immune systems may be at increased risk for developing severe infections and should seek evaluation promptly when symptoms develop.

What causes foot and ankle infections?

Many different conditions and injuries can allow infections to develop, including:

• Cuts, scrapes, or puncture wounds
• Ingrown toenails
• Blisters or skin breakdown
• Athlete's foot and fungal infections
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Surgical wounds
• Animal bites or insect bites
• Foreign objects, such as splinters
• Trauma or fractures
• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Reduced blood flow or immune function

Even small injuries can become infected if bacteria enter through a break in the skin.

What are the symptoms of a foot or ankle infection?

Symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity of the infection. Common signs include:

• Redness or discoloration of the skin
• Warmth or swelling
• Increasing pain or tenderness
• Drainage or pus
• Foul odor
• Open wounds that are slow to heal
• Fever or chills
• Red streaking extending from the affected area
• Difficulty walking or putting weight on the foot

In patients with diabetes or neuropathy, infections may sometimes progress with minimal pain, making regular foot evaluations especially important.

What types of foot and ankle infections are treated?

The specialists at Metropolitan Foot and Ankle Specialists evaluate and treat a variety of infections, including:

• Skin infections: such as cellulitis affecting the skin and soft tissues
• Ingrown toenail infections: irritation and infection around the nail border
• Diabetic foot infections: infections associated with ulcers or neuropathy
• Abscesses: collections of infected fluid beneath the skin
• Bone infections (osteomyelitis): infections that involve the bone
• Joint infections: infections affecting the joints of the foot or ankle
• Post-surgical infections: infections that develop following procedures

Treatment depends on the severity and location of the infection.

How are foot and ankle infections treated?

Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the infection. Your physician may recommend:

• Antibiotic medications
• Antifungal medications when appropriate
• Wound care and regular monitoring
• Removal of infected or damaged tissue
• Drainage of abscesses
• Offloading with specialized footwear or devices
• Treatment of underlying conditions, such as diabetes or circulation problems

For more advanced infections, surgical treatment may be necessary to remove infected tissue, clean the affected area, repair damage, or prevent the spread of infection.

Early treatment provides the best opportunity for successful healing and helps reduce the risk of serious complications. If you notice signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, drainage, warmth, or worsening pain, contact Metropolitan Foot and Ankle Specialists for an evaluation.

To request a personalized consultation, call Metropolitan Foot and Ankle Specialists today.