Marshfield Clinic orthopedic specialists treat complications of diabetes.
Infections in the feet are a complication of diabetes. Infections can occur when there is a loss of feeling in the feet.
Treatments
Your physician can recommend a number of treatments and methods of prevention for infections.
Medication
If caught early, foot infections can be treated successfully with prescription antibiotics.
When infections become more serious, your doctor may recommend admission to a hospital for intravenous antibiotics.
Daily Foot Monitoring
Infections may be controlled through a combination of medication and ongoing care of the feet including:
- Keeping the infected area dry.
- Keeping feet elevated and limiting walking.
- Regular application of clean bandages to the infected area.
- Soaking of the feet in warm soapy water.
Surgery
In severe cases, your doctor may perform surgery to remove an infection and prevent it from spreading throughout the foot and leg. In minor cases, small amounts of tissue can be removed from the infected area. When infections become serious, toes may need to be removed or larger amounts of tissue extracted.
