What is a Septic foot?
This is simply an infected foot. It can range from superficial skin infections also known as cellulitis to more severe forms in which there will be an associated abscess or infection of the bone known as osteomyelitis. It is quite common in diabetics and if left untreated can lead to widespread infection and possible loss of a limb.
Symptoms
In mild forms of the disease the associated area will be swollen with surrounding redness. Patients may complain of pain and fever. Later on ,if left untreated an abscess can develop. If the infection spreads the patient can present very ill and sometimes develop gangrene and go into septic shock.
Treatment
In cases of mild infection antibiotics will suffice.Drainage of an abscess and removal of all infected material via surgery will be required if there is an abscess or dead tissue.Depending on the severity of the infection the patient may have to be hospitalized.This is a very serious condition especially in Diabetics and one ought to seek urgent help from a medical doctor.
Prevention
As mentioned before ,diabetics are predisposed to developing an infected/septic foot. Preventative measures are the key to ensuring minimal complications. This begins at home with a good foot care routine:
There are many things you can do to keep your feet healthy.
- Proper control of your diabetes. Diet, exercise and compliance with medication is the key
- Check your feet every day. Look at your bare feet for red spots, cuts, swelling, and blisters. If you cannot see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help.
- Ask your doctor about special shoes or insoles as these may be necessary
- Wash your feet every day. Dry them carefully, especially between the toes.
- Keep your skin soft and smooth. Rub a thin coat of skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes.
- Trim your toenails when needed. Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.If you can’t then seek care from a podiatrist
- Wear shoes and socks at all times. Never walk barefoot. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Check inside your shoes before wearing them. Make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects inside.
- Protect your feet from hot and cold. Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Don’t put your feet into hot water. Test water before putting your feet in it just as you would before bathing a baby.
- Keep the blood flowing to your feet. Put your feet up when sitting. Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for 5 minutes, two (2) or three (3) times a day. Don’t cross your legs for long periods of time.
- Get started now. Begin taking good care of your feet today. Set a time every day to check your feet.
The pictures below show some different ways in which infection can present. In some situations toes may have to be removed if they are gangrenous(dead) in order to prevent the infection from spreading.
