Foot infections can affect the skin, nails, and deeper tissues of the toes, soles, and ankles when bacteria or fungi enter small breaks in the skin. Fungal infections involve athlete’s foot, which affects the skin between or under the toes, and onychomycosis, which causes thickened, discolored toenails. Bacterial infections include cellulitis, where redness and swelling spread through the skin and abscesses that form painful pockets of fluid. Erythrasma is a bacterial infection that develops between the toes, often appearing as reddish or brown, mildly scaly skin that can resemble a fungal infection. Infections can worsen circulation, limit walking, and increase the risk of joint or bone involvement that sometimes requires surgery to prevent limb loss. A podiatrist can identify the infection type, evaluate its severity, and determine appropriate treatment. If you have developed a foot infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.