Vancouver Podiatrist Explains Signs of Infection in Foot Wounds and Your Best Course of Care
Whether you have a simple cut on your foot, a surgical wound, or a more serious foot ulcer, watching for signs of infection is an essential part of wound care. If you’re managing a chronic condition such as diabetes, poor circulation, high blood pressure, or neuropathy, you have to be even more diligent with your foot health.
At Clover Podiatry, our foot doctors have dedicated expertise in treating foot wounds, ulcers, and other conditions. We want to make sure you know what to look for, how you can care for certain issues at home, and when it’s time to visit us for a more thorough examination and treatment.
Common Types of Foot Wounds
Foot wounds come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from minor cuts and scrapes to ulcers, surgical cuts, and more severe injuries. Types of foot wounds include:
- Arterial ulcer. This is a lower leg or foot wound that develops because of poor circulation—a lack of blood flow causes the skin and tissue to die.
- Blisters. Tears between skin layers form small pockets of fluid because of heat, friction, pressure, or irritation.
- Diabetic foot ulcers. Wounds caused by diabetes and diabetic neuropathy—conditions that restrict blood flow and oxygen delivery in the feet, particularly the big toes.
- Injuries. These include punctures, cuts, and abrasions.
- Pressure ulcers. Wounds caused by improper shoes or lack of foot movement.
- Venous stasis ulcers. Leg wounds related to varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis.
If bacteria enters any of these wounds through open skin, that’s when you risk developing an infection.
Symptoms of Foot Wound Infection
Daily foot inspections are essential to your health, particularly if you’re managing a chronic condition. Spotting foot ulcers and other wounds early is critical to getting effective treatment, so watch for the following signs:
- Redness and excessive swelling
- Warmth around the area
- Discharge
- Foul odor
- Pain
Additionally, if you have a fever, this is an indication that not only is an infection present but also that it’s getting worse, so seek immediate medical attention.
How to Treat an Infected Foot Wound
It’s not advisable to simply ignore a foot injury or wound. At Clover Podiatry, our skilled foot doctors want to make sure you can avoid any complications such as:
- Reduced foot function. A spreading infection may cause you to lose full mobility.
- Gangrene. Tissue around your wound may die due to loss of blood to the area.
- Amputation. If an infection gets out of control, foot or toe amputation may be required to save your life.
Here are some of our recommendations to care for your condition promptly.
At-Home Treatment
Minor infections can often be treated from home with any of the following:
- Antifungal cream
- Athlete’s foot spray
- Antifungal foot powder
- Over-the-counter salicylic acid for plantar warts
- Antibiotic cream
- Blister pads
- Keeping feet dry and cool
Talk with one of our professionals about being fitted for proper footwear, too. Whether you need steel-toed boots at work to avoid injury or special support for diabetic care, we have suggestions that provide you with the right shoes for all your activities.
Medical Treatment
More advanced wound care is best handled by our dedicated podiatrists and medical staff. We provide many services including, but not limited to:
- A thorough assessment of your condition and recommended treatment plan
- The application of prescription antibiotics and antifungal medications
- Cryotherapy or SWIFT therapy for plantar warts
- Vacuum-assisted closure for diabetic ulcers
- Surgery
Signs a Wound Is Healing Well
After your treatment, there are some important indicators that you’re healing as you should. Look for:
- Less tenderness in the area
- A scab forming over the wound
- Subtle swelling for a few days after a scab develops
- New tissue growing around the wound
- Some fresh scarring over the wound
Clover Podiatry’s expert medical team will provide you with various guidelines to ensure a thorough recovery, and preventative care recommendations to give you peace of mind.