Podiatrists handle a number of common foot issues at their practices, including sports injuries, fractures and ligament problems. One particularly concerning problem is a foot infection because it could put the health of the entire foot and even the rest of the body at risk. Here are a few of the signs of a foot infection that should prompt you to call your Gainesville, VA podiatrist for immediate treatment.

Signs of a Foot Infection
As with any infection, a foot infection is caused by bad bacteria in a wound or cut. It’s a concern that podiatrists often have for patients who need diabetic foot care. In extreme cases an infection could lead to gangrene, which requires tissue removal, so it should be caught in its early stages. Here are some of the potential signs:

- Redness and inflammation around the affected site
- Intense pain when you’re walking or tenderness to the touch
- Pus or blood coming from the affected area
- Fever or nausea

What Could Cause a Foot Infection?
A foot infection often happens after there’s some type of injury to the foot. In some cases, it’s caused by an ingrown toenail that grows into the skin. In other cases, it’s due to a foot fungus that has gotten out of control. A wart on the foot could also become infected when it continuously rubs up against the inside of a tight shoe. Patients who have had foot surgery have to be mindful of infections during the healing process.

Treatments for Foot Infections
A foot infection must be treated promptly by your Gainesville podiatrist so that it doesn’t become ulcerous or gangrenous. The first step is removing any diseased tissue to allow healthy tissue to regenerate. Immediate oxygen treatment will aid the healing process. An intravenous antibiotic therapy may also be administered to thoroughly get rid of the infection. Pain medication (an NSAID) will likely be prescribed to ease any discomfort while the foot is healing. Rest therapy may be needed to ensure that the infection doesn’t reoccur.

Seek Treatment ASAP
If any of these signs of foot infections match your symptoms, see your Gainesville, VA podiatrist as soon as possible. It’s a simple problem to fix in the early stages. Call (703) 753-3338 today for an urgent visit to see Dr. Mukesh Bhakta at Prince William Foot & Ankle Center.