Recognizing the Early Signs of an Infected Foot Wound

It is important to be aware of the early signs of an infected foot wound. This is especially true if you have diabetes. Because diabetic foot wounds are prone to infection, you should never wait to see if your wound will get better on its own. By catching an infection early, you can increase your chances of successful treatment.

That's why it is extremely important to visit an experienced Southlake podiatrist before things get worse. 

Early Signs of an Infected Foot Wound

It is important to remember that a wound can be infected without being painful. This is especially true for diabetic patients, as nerve damage can cause diabetic foot wounds to go unnoticed for a long time. That is why it's important for those with diabetes to inspect their feet regularly and seek medical attention from an experienced podiatrist in Southlake, TX, at the first sign of a wound.

What to Watch For

• Foul odor. A foul odor is one of the most common symptoms of an infected wound. If you notice that your wound smells bad, it is essential to seek medical attention right away.
• Drainage. A wound on the bottom of your foot may not be easily visible, but you may notice fluid drainage or pus on your socks once a foot wound is infected.
• Swelling. Infection can cause swelling and inflammation. This may make the skin on your foot appear waxy or shiny.
• Changes in temperature or color. An infection can cause the area around the foot wound to feel hot or look red.

Treatment for an Infected Wound

If you think you have an infected foot wound, don’t wait to see if it will improve on its own. It’s best to consult our Southlake podiatrist immediately. The earlier you treat an infected foot wound, the better your chances are of avoiding more serious complications such as the infection spreading to surrounding tissue to bone, gangrene, or even amputation.

After examining your wound, our experienced foot doctor will likely recommend one of several courses of treatment. These may include rest, elevation, cleaning the wound, antibiotics, or surgery. In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be necessary.

Contact Our Southlake Podiatrist for a Consult Right Now

If you have signs of an infected foot wound, contact our Southlake podiatrist at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists right away. We can discuss treatment options and create a plan based on your needs.

To request an appointment, contact our Grapevine or Keller office by filling out our convenient contact form or calling our office at 817-481-4000.