INFECTIONS
Prompt care for infections that impact foot health and healing
INFECTION INSIGHTS
HOW INFECTIONS DEVELOP
Foot infections develop when bacteria, fungi, or other organisms enter the skin through small breaks, wounds, or compromised tissue. Because the feet are frequently exposed to moisture, pressure, and enclosed environments, infections can progress quickly without early attention.
Some infections remain superficial, while others extend into deeper tissue if left untreated. Timely assessment and appropriate care help limit severity, reduce complications, and support long-term foot health.
INFECTION INSIGHTS
HOW INFECTIONS DEVELOP
Foot infections develop when bacteria, fungi, or other organisms enter the skin through small breaks, wounds, or compromised tissue. Because the feet are frequently exposed to moisture, pressure, and enclosed environments, infections can progress quickly without early attention.
Some infections remain superficial, while others extend into deeper tissue if left untreated. Timely assessment and appropriate care help limit severity, reduce complications, and support long-term foot health.
INFECTION INSIGHTS
HOW INFECTIONS DEVELOP
Foot infections develop when bacteria, fungi, or other organisms enter the skin through small breaks, wounds, or compromised tissue. Because the feet are frequently exposed to moisture, pressure, and enclosed environments, infections can progress quickly without early attention.
Some infections remain superficial, while others extend into deeper tissue if left untreated. Timely assessment and appropriate care help limit severity, reduce complications, and support long-term foot health.
FACTORS THAT INCREASE INFECTION RISK
Skin Breakdown
Open areas in the skin provide a direct entry point for bacteria or fungi, allowing infection to develop beneath the surface.
Moisture Exposure
Damp environments promote microbial growth and increase the likelihood of infection, particularly in enclosed footwear.
Circulation & Sensation Changes
Impaired blood flow or reduced sensation can limit the body’s ability to fight infection and delay recognition of early signs.
Delayed Care
Postponing evaluation or treatment can allow infections to spread to deeper tissue and become more difficult to manage.
FACTORS THAT INCREASE INFECTION RISK
Skin Breakdown
Open areas in the skin provide a direct entry point for bacteria or fungi, allowing infection to develop beneath the surface.
Moisture Exposure
Damp environments promote microbial growth and increase the likelihood of infection, particularly in enclosed footwear.
Circulation & Sensation Changes
Impaired blood flow or reduced sensation can limit the body’s ability to fight infection and delay recognition of early signs.
Delayed Care
Postponing evaluation or treatment can allow infections to spread to deeper tissue and become more difficult to manage.
INFECTIONs BY THE NUMBERS
80% +
Experience foot infections often begin through minor skin openings that initially appear harmless.
1 IN 4
Individuals with diabetes will experience a foot-related infection at some point in their lifetime.
MULTIPLE TYPES
Bacterial, fungal, and mixed infections can affect the feet, requiring different care approaches.
50%
Early treatment can significantly reduce the risk of infection progression or complications.
80% +
Experience foot infections often begin through minor skin openings that initially appear harmless.
1 IN 4
Individuals with diabetes will experience a foot-related infection at some point in their lifetime.
MULTIPLE TYPES
Bacterial, fungal, and mixed infections can affect the feet, requiring different care approaches.
50%
Early treatment can significantly reduce the risk of infection progression or complications.
80% +
Experience foot infections often begin through minor skin openings that initially appear harmless.
1 IN 4
Individuals with diabetes will experience a foot-related infection at some point in their lifetime.
MULTIPLE TYPES
Bacterial, fungal, and mixed infections can affect the feet, requiring different care approaches.
50%
Early treatment can significantly reduce the risk of infection progression or complications.
CARE INFORMED BY SEVERITY
INFECTION CARE OPTIONS
Management of foot infections is guided by the type, severity, and extent of involvement identified during evaluation. Care is focused on addressing the source of infection while supporting the body’s ability to recover and limiting the potential for progression or recurrence.
Clinical planning considers factors such as skin integrity, circulation, pressure exposure, and any underlying medical conditions that may affect healing. Understanding how these elements interact helps determine the most appropriate course of care for each individual situation.
Ongoing monitoring allows treatment to be adjusted based on response and healing progress. This structured approach is designed to protect mobility, preserve tissue health, and reduce the likelihood of long-term complications.
Conservative Care:
- Evaluation of infection type and extent
- Wound care and protective treatment strategies
- Moisture and skin barrier management
- Monitoring tissue response and healing progression
- Education on prevention and early recognition
Surgical Solutions:
- Removal of infected or non-viable tissue when necessary
- Management of deeper or persistent infections
- Surgical intervention reserved for cases not responding to conservative care
Surgical decisions are based on clinical findings and are intended to support healing, preserve healthy tissue, and maintain overall foot function.
CARE INFORMED BY SEVERITY
INFECTION CARE OPTIONS
Management of foot infections is guided by the type, severity, and extent of involvement identified during evaluation. Care is focused on addressing the source of infection while supporting the body’s ability to recover and limiting the potential for progression or recurrence.
Clinical planning considers factors such as skin integrity, circulation, pressure exposure, and any underlying medical conditions that may affect healing. Understanding how these elements interact helps determine the most appropriate course of care for each individual situation.
Ongoing monitoring allows treatment to be adjusted based on response and healing progress. This structured approach is designed to protect mobility, preserve tissue health, and reduce the likelihood of long-term complications.
Conservative Care:
- Evaluation of infection type and extent
- Wound care and protective treatment strategies
- Moisture and skin barrier management
- Monitoring tissue response and healing progression
- Education on prevention and early recognition
Surgical Solutions:
- Removal of infected or non-viable tissue when necessary
- Management of deeper or persistent infections
- Surgical intervention reserved for cases not responding to conservative care
Surgical decisions are based on clinical findings and are intended to support healing, preserve healthy tissue, and maintain overall foot function.
CARE INFORMED BY SEVERITY
INFECTION CARE OPTIONS
Management of foot infections is guided by the type, severity, and extent of involvement identified during evaluation. Care is focused on addressing the source of infection while supporting the body’s ability to recover and limiting the potential for progression or recurrence.
Clinical planning considers factors such as skin integrity, circulation, pressure exposure, and any underlying medical conditions that may affect healing. Understanding how these elements interact helps determine the most appropriate course of care for each individual situation.
Ongoing monitoring allows treatment to be adjusted based on response and healing progress. This structured approach is designed to protect mobility, preserve tissue health, and reduce the likelihood of long-term complications.
Conservative Care:
- Evaluation of infection type and extent
- Wound care and protective treatment strategies
- Moisture and skin barrier management
- Monitoring tissue response and healing progression
- Education on prevention and early recognition
Surgical Solutions:
- Removal of infected or non-viable tissue when necessary
- Management of deeper or persistent infections
- Surgical intervention reserved for cases not responding to conservative care
Surgical decisions are based on clinical findings and are intended to support healing, preserve healthy tissue, and maintain overall foot function.