Catch Your Infections: Watch for Signs

The Bands on the Sand at Moody Gardens in Galveston, TX has their last outdoor concert series August 8-9, 2014. Enjoy great music on Palm Beach and a firework display over Offats Bayou at the end of the night–a great way to spend a summer evening.

Be careful, though. Whether at an evening concert or playing by the ocean all day, going barefoot can bring a quick foot or ankle injury if you step on something sharp. Knowing the signs of an infection will help determine when you need to seek medical attention.

It is common for an injury to cause swelling, but when a situation shows the characteristics of an infection, the treatment process changes and it may be necessary to seek immediate help. This is especially important if you have diabetes or another condition that may cause poor circulation. Inflammation typically occurs after tissues have been damaged. An increased blood flow to the area is your immune systems response to start the healing process. However, while swelling may be normal, you need to pay attention to any increased pain, redness, warmth around the area, red streaks around the injury, pus draining from the site, or a fever. These are all signs that an infection may be present or developing. Home treatments may suffice for minor infections, but your foot and ankle health is too important to let anything serious go untreated by a medical professional. Prompt treatment can prevent serious complications such as cellulitis, an abscess, septic arthritis, septic bursitis, and osteomyelitis.

If you see signs of an infection dont hesitate to contact Dr. Aleisha Allen DPM at Houston Foot Specialists. You can reach our office in Houston, TX by calling (713) 467-8886 or through our contact page online.

Photo Credit: satit_srihin VIA www.freedigitalphotos.net

Category: Skin Problems

Tags: Foot, Infections