Foot Infection

Precision Podiatry

Podiatrists located in Round Rock, Cedar Park, & Austin, TX

Foot infections can strike at any time, causing pain and negatively affecting your mobility. Combined with a chronic condition like diabetes, foot infections can also lead to more serious health complications. The licensed foot and ankle specialists at Precision Podiatry with three locations in the Round Rock, Cedar Park, and the River Place neighborhoods of Austin, Texas, regularly diagnose and treat foot infections. To request your appointment at Precision Podiatry today, call the office.

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Foot Infection Q & A

What is a foot infection?

A foot infection is a painful condition that makes it difficult to walk, stand, or stay physically active. Common causes of foot infections include bacteria, fungi, and medical conditions, such as diabetes and ingrown toenails.

No matter the source of your foot infection, it’s important to seek professional medical help. Left untreated, a foot infection may lead to cellulitis. Cellulitis is a serious infection of your skin that can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream.

What are the symptoms of a foot infection?

The symptoms of a foot infection vary from person to person and depend on the underlying source of your infection. But, there are some common signs of foot infections, which include:

Foot blisters
Change in skin color
Warmth
Swelling
Toenail discoloration
Fever
Pus or fluid drainage

If you have a foot infection, you might also notice a foul smell emanating from your toes or feet. This is particularly true if you develop athlete’s foot or there’s pus draining from a blister or ingrown toenail.

What causes foot infections?

There are several different causes of foot infections. At Precision Podiatry, the team regularly diagnoses and treats foot infections caused by:

Wounds
Plantar warts
Ingrown toenails
Diabetes
Fungus

It’s also possible to develop a foot infection following surgery. Fortunately, this only occurs in about 1% of healthy people. That said, if your Precision Podiatry provider gives you antibiotics, it’s crucial you take them as prescribed.

How are foot infections diagnosed?

To diagnose a foot infection, your Precision Podiatry provider examines your feet, ankles, and toes, reviews your medical history, and asks you about your symptoms. If these measures don’t provide enough information, your doctor might also order a series of X-rays or laboratory testing.

How are foot infections treated?

Treatment for foot infections depends on the severity of your symptoms. Whenever possible, the team at Precision Podiatry uses conservative, noninvasive methods of care, such as antifungal creams and sprays, blister pads, oral antibiotics, and antibiotic creams. Your doctor might also recommend you wash your feet regularly and keep them dry.

If these treatments don’t provide relief, your doctor may recommend prescription medications, cryotherapy to remove plantar warts, or vacuum-assisted closure to treat diabetic foot ulcers. For serious infections that don’t respond to antibiotics, surgical intervention may be necessary.

If you suspect you have a foot infection, take action as soon as possible. Request an appointment at Precision Podiatry today by calling the office.

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