WHEN TO CALL A DOCTOR?

It is time to call the doctor when:

• you have any signs or symptoms of infection including redness, swelling, increased warmth, fever (>100 without any other reason), chills, red streaking around the foot and ankle or extending up your leg, or any purulent discharge 
   
• you have persistent foot and ankle pain 
   
• you have noticeable skin and toenail changes 
   
• you have severe dryness, itching, cracking or peeling of your skin 
   
• you have pain, redness and thickening of your toenails or around your toenails 
   
• you have fallen and can’t get up or have twisted your foot or ankle and experience bruising, swelling and loss of function or inability to walk 
   
• you have blisters with clear or purulent drainage on your feet

If you are diabetic, small foot infections can be life and limb threatening so do not delay. Remember the most common reason diabetic are hospitalized are foot infections. The most common reason for these infections are improperly cut toenails and ill-fitting shoes. If you experience any of the above symptoms, call the office for a same-day appointment or go to the local ER immediately.