Infections that effect the foot typically follow a traumatic event or tissue loss.
This can lead to contamination by some foreign material or colonization by bacteria. In many patients that present with foot infections their condition is a consequence of a metabolic or peripheral vascular defect.
In considering the many different types of foot infections, your podiatrist will look to categorize the presented condition into one of three groups: soft-tissue foot infections, bone infections in the foot, and foot infections stemming from a diabetic health condition.
When it comes to defining soft-tissue infections in the foot one first looks to any infection that affects the skin, subcutaneous tissue, adipose tissue, superficial or deep fascia, ligaments and tendons. The potential for infectious issues in the foot become more apparent when one considers that there are 44 tendons, 20 joints and in the order of 100 ligaments in a normal foot.
Often associated with a soft-tissue infection is the extension of such an infection to the bone in the region as both are so interconnected.
Foot infections resulting from a diabetic condition affect millions of people globally. Those dealing with diabetes often develop ulcerations in the feet that are compounded by circulation issues to the region. From these ulcerations there is a high probability of infection occurring in the soft tissue and bones.
In extreme cases of foot infection amputation is the only solution. However, with the progression of modern medicine the treatment of infected regions has resulted in far less dramatic options.
Early consultation with your podiatrist can reduce the long term discomfort that can flow from foot infections.