Infections
Foot infection treatment in The Fan, VCU, Richmond, VA
A foot infection that isn't treated can spread to deeper tissue and bone. At Richmond Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates in Richmond, Virginia, podiatrists Weston Angermeier, DPM, and Rachel Hensley, DPM, diagnose and treat infections of the skin, nails and deeper structures of the foot, including surgical care when antibiotics alone aren't enough. Call our office today.
Quick facts about infections
Foot infections can start from a cut, puncture, ingrown toenail, blister or ulcer.
People with diabetes or poor circulation are more likely to get foot infections and to have them spread.
Most infections are treated with antibiotics; some need drainage or surgery to remove infected tissue.
Infections questions and answers
What are the signs of a foot infection?
Signs of infection in the foot include:
- Redness that spreads
- Swelling and warmth
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- Pus or drainage
- A bad smell
- Fever or chills
Go to the emergency room if you have a fever with a red, swollen foot, or redness spreading quickly up the leg.
What types of foot infections do you treat?
We treat many infections of the foot and ankle, including:
- Infected ingrown toenails
- Skin infections (cellulitis)
- Infected cuts, punctures and wounds
- Abscesses
- Infected diabetic foot ulcers
- Bone infections (osteomyelitis)
How are foot infections treated?
Treatment depends on how deep and severe the infection is. It may include:
- Oral or IV antibiotics
- Draining an abscess
- Removing an ingrown nail or foreign body that is causing the infection
- Surgery to clean out infected tissue or bone
- Wound care and follow-up visits until it heals
Why are foot infections a concern with diabetes?
Diabetes can reduce feeling in the feet and slow healing, so an infection may go unnoticed and spread faster. If you have diabetes, check your feet daily and call us about any wound or redness. See our diabetic foot care page to learn more, and call our office today.
Other conditions we treat
Ready to get back on your feet?
Call to book. Free parking in the Retreat Hospital garage.