Infections

There are several infections that can affect the foot and ankle. Here are some of the common ones:

• Athlete's foot (Tinea pedis) - This is a fungal infection that typically affects the skin between the toes and the soles of the feet. It can cause itching, burning, and cracked skin.
• Cellulitis - Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that can occur when bacteria enter through a crack or cut in the skin. It causes redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area. Cellulitis can affect the foot and ankle, especially if there are breaks in the skin.
• Abscess - An abscess is a localised collection of pus that can develop in the foot or ankle due to a bacterial infection. It often results from an infected wound or an ingrown toenail. Abscesses can cause pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes fever.
• Osteomyelitis - Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can occur in the foot or ankle. It usually happens when bacteria enter the bone through a wound or spread from an adjacent infection. Osteomyelitis causes deep pain, swelling, redness, and can lead to difficulty in walking.
• Septic arthritis - This is a joint infection that can affect the ankle or other joints in the foot. It is usually caused by bacteria, and it results in severe pain, swelling, warmth, and limited range of motion in the affected joint.
• Bursitis - Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. It can occur in the ankle and foot, particularly in areas where there is repetitive friction or pressure. Bursitis causes pain, swelling, and tenderness around the affected area.

Dr. Rajesh Malhotra holds sound knowledge and experience in treating all infections that occur in the foot or ankle. He advises his patients to have the right diagnosis and treatment to manage these infections without having any serious risks or complications.