Foot Infection

Overview

Foot infections are painful disorders that can stem from basic foot injuries. These infections are initially characterized by swelling and tenderness, but symptoms can become much worse when ignored. Foot cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, can result in or stem from fungal toenail infections, athlete’s foot, and plantar warts.

Most skin infections can be treated through antibiotics but left untreated, infections can ultimately lead to hospitalization. This is why it’s important to see a podiatrist when you’re experiencing any foot abnormalities. They can diagnose the problem and address it before it becomes a serious issue.

Causes

Foot infections often form after wounds or injuries to the foot. Some of the common injuries and wounds that lead to infection are:

• Abrasions
• Skin cracks
• Cuts
• Puncture wounds
• Foreign objects in the skin
• Ingrown nails

Both foot and ankle infections can form due to other infections already in the body. Those with diabetic foot complications frequently have foot infections and should monitor their condition closely. Seek professional treatment for suspected infections right away to avoid serious repercussions such as amputation.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of foot infections may include the following:

• Change in skin color
• The rise in skin temperature
• Swelling and pain
• Open wounds that are slow to heal
• Breaks or dryness in the skin
• Drainage
• Odor
• Fever

Checking your feet daily is incredibly important in catching a potential problem as early as possible to help prevent infection.

Inspect your feet every day especially between the toes and the sole for:

• Cuts
• Bruises
• Cracks
• Blisters
• Redness
• Ulcers
• Other signs of abnormality

Diagnosis

Mostly the symptoms of foot infections are quite evidently visible and the doctor can easily distinguish what type of foot infection you have by looking at your foot. The diabetic foot infection diagnosis is based on the presence of at least two classic findings of inflammation or purulence. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most accurate imaging study in early osteomyelitis.

Treatment

Some foot infections can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medication. If you have a bacterial infection, antibiotics will typically do the trick, especially if you visit the doctor at the first signs of infection. However, there are a few more severe treatments that may be necessary if the infection is allowed to spread.

• Excision: This can be an effective foot infection treatment if the infection has not spread but was not treated or disinfected in a timely manner. Surgical excision of all dead and infected skin and bone can prevent full amputation and infection spread. In less severe cases, this treatment consists of draining the pus and removing all necrotic and infected tissue.
• Amputation: This treatment is necessary if an infection becomes gangrenous. Amputation can stop the infection from spreading to other parts of the body, but it dramatically changes a person’s life.
• Vacuum-assisted closure: This type of therapy is common for diabetic foot infections that do not heal on their own. The procedure helps the wound heal. During a vacuum-assisted closure, a device decreases air pressure around the wound, which can help it heal more quickly.

When To See A Doctor

If your foot infection causes swelling, heat, a foul smell, and makes walking difficult, you will need to see a doctor for an antibiotic medication. However, if you have more serious symptoms, you should seek emergency medical treatment.

This includes any of the following experiences:

• Red Streaks: Red streaks, or a slow-moving red line, can indicate infectious lymphangitis. This condition occurs when the infection invades the lymphatic system or bloodstream. This can quickly cause infection throughout the body and requires a doctor’s help immediately. 
• Fever and Chills: This can indicate that the infection has spread. Seek emergency medical help immediately. 
• Crackling Noise: This is a symptom-specific to gangrene or localized body tissue decomposition. This symptom is typically accompanied by severe discoloration, swelling, and a foul odor. In many cases, gangrenous appendages must be amputated.

Summary

Foot infections can arise from minor injuries and are often characterized by swelling and tenderness. If left untreated, they can lead to severe complications, including hospitalization. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 14–24% of diabetic patients will develop a foot ulcer, and the incidence of foot infections in these patients can lead to 20% requiring amputation. Common causes of foot infections include abrasions, skin cracks, cuts, puncture wounds, foreign objects, and ingrown nails. Diabetic patients are particularly at risk and must monitor their feet closely.

Symptoms of foot infections may include changes in skin color, increased skin temperature, swelling, slow-healing wounds, dryness, drainage, odor, and fever. Daily foot inspections are crucial for early detection, focusing on signs such as cuts, bruises, redness, and blisters. Studies indicate that timely intervention can reduce the risk of complications by up to 80%.

Diagnosis is typically straightforward, with doctors identifying infections based on visible symptoms. For diabetic foot infections, the presence of classic inflammation signs is key, while magnetic resonance imaging is used for suspected osteomyelitis. Approximately 20% of patients with diabetic foot infections develop osteomyelitis, underscoring the need for early detection and treatment.

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the infection. Minor infections may respond to over-the-counter antifungal medications or antibiotics, especially when treated promptly. More severe cases may require surgical excision to remove infected tissue or, in extreme cases, amputation if gangrene develops. The study reports that up to 45-85% of amputations are preventable with proper foot care.

Vacuum-assisted closure therapy is often used for non-healing diabetic foot wounds, with studies showing a success rate of approximately 75% in promoting wound healing.

It’s essential to seek medical attention if symptoms such as swelling, heat, foul odor, and difficulty walking occur. Urgent care is necessary if red streaks appear, indicating lymphangitis, or if fever and chills suggest the infection has spread. Additionally, crackling noises may signal gangrene, necessitating immediate medical intervention to prevent further complications.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about foot infection or any other medical condition, please see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment suggestions.