People with diabetes are more likely to develop foot wounds and infections than people without diabetes. If you have an open or infected foot wound caused by diabetes, see the specialists at Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine in Gainesville, Florida. Experienced physician Wendy Garlington, MD, and her team diagnose and treat diabetic foot infections to keep your feet healthy. Call the office to learn more or schedule an appointment online today.

request an appointment

What is a diabetic foot infection?

Diabetic foot infections and other foot health problems are more common in people with diabetes. Why? Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to nerve damage, especially in your feet, causing numbness and a higher risk of nonhealing wounds. If you have an open wound on your foot that gets infected, see the specialist at Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine for care.

What are the symptoms of a diabetic foot infection?

If you have a diabetic foot infection, the following symptoms can develop:

  • Foot pain
  • Wounds that won’t heal
  • Redness
  • Warmth
  • Pus
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness

Foot infections can spread to other areas of your body and become severe. Early detection and treatment of diabetic foot problems increase your chance of making a full recovery and avoiding foot amputation.

What are the risk factors for diabetic foot infections?

The primary risk factors for developing diabetic foot infections include:

  • Uncontrolled blood sugar
  • Lack of exercise
  • Poor diet
  • Excess body weight
  • Nerve damage in your feet
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Lack of medical monitoring
  • Late detection of nonhealing wounds

At the first sign of a problem, especially a nonhealing wound, see the specialist at Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine for an evaluation.

How does my doctor diagnose diabetic foot infections?

To determine if you have a diabetic foot infection, your Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine provider reviews your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. They complete a physical exam, paying close attention to your feet.

You might need blood tests, a tissue biopsy, an MRI, or another diagnostic test to confirm a diagnosis, including osteomyelitis.

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection and a complication of a diabetic foot infection that increases your chance of needing surgery. It’s present in 20% of mild to moderate infections and up to 60% of severe diabetic foot infections.

How are diabetic foot infections treated?

The treatment recommended for your diabetic foot infection will depend on how severe it is. Your Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine provider might suggest you try oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatments, skin grafting, dressing management, and nutrition education.

Your specialist offers debridement to remove infected tissues, abscess drainage, and other wound care treatments to reduce the chance of a severe infection. They also provide home health care referrals.

Eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy body weight, and properly manage your diabetes. See a specialist at least once a year for a diabetic foot exam to prevent problems from developing.

Call the Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine office or book an appointment online today at the first sign of a diabetic foot infection.