FOOT INFECTIONS
WHAT ARE FOOT INFECTIONS?
Your feet take a lot of wear and tear, and because they spend much of the day enclosed in shoes—a warm, dark, and often damp environment—they are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. A foot infection occurs when these harmful germs enter the skin through a cut, crack, blister, or ingrown toenail.
While minor infections are common, they should never be ignored. If left untreated, a simple infection can spread to deeper tissues, bones, or the bloodstream, leading to serious health complications, especially for individuals with diabetes or poor circulation.
COMMON CAUSES AND TYPES
Foot infections generally fall into two categories: bacterial and fungal.
- Fungal Infections: Such as Athlete’s Foot or Fungal Nail Infections. These are often picked up in communal areas and cause itching, peeling skin, and discolored nails.
- Bacterial Infections: These typically occur when the skin barrier is broken. Common causes include:
- Untreated ingrown toenails
- Blisters from friction
- Cracked heels (fissures)
- Puncture wounds
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS
Early detection is key to preventing an infection from becoming a medical emergency. You should check your feet regularly for the following “red flags”:
- Redness: Especially if it is spreading or streaking away from a wound.
- Heat: The area feels significantly warmer than the surrounding skin.
- Swelling: Puffiness around a toe or part of the foot.
- Discharge: Pus or fluid leaking from a wound or nail edge.
- Odor: A foul smell that persists even after washing.
- Pain: Throbbing or tenderness that worsens over time.
PREVENTING INFECTIONS
Prevention focuses on hygiene and protecting the skin barrier. To lower your risk:
- Wash and Dry: Clean feet daily and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Protect Wounds: Clean any minor cuts or blisters immediately with antiseptic and cover them with a sterile dressing.
- Wear Breathable Footwear: Rotate your shoes to allow them to dry out, and wear moisture-wicking socks.
Don’t Perform “Bathroom Surgery”: Avoid digging at ingrown nails or cutting corns yourself, as this often introduces bacteria.
PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT OPTIONS
At Footcare Orthotics, we treat the infection at the source to promote rapid healing and prevent recurrence. We strongly advise against “waiting it out” if you suspect an infection.
Our treatment approach includes:
- Wound Care & Debridement: Professionally cleaning the wound and removing dead or infected tissue to speed up healing.
- Ingrown Nail Surgery: If a nail is the cause of the infection, we can perform a minor procedure to remove the offending nail edge.
- Antifungal Therapies: For persistent skin or nail fungus.
- Offloading: Using pads or orthotics to remove pressure from an infected ulcer or wound to allow it to close.
If you notice any signs of infection, prompt professional care is the safest path to recovery.