A small cut between your toes, a blister from new shoes, or a tiny puncture wound from stepping on something sharp can quickly turn into a serious problem when bacteria invade the skin. Foot infections are one of the leading reasons people with diabetes end up hospitalized, and conditions like cellulitis can escalate from mild redness to a life-threatening illness in a matter of days.
Dr. D. Sean Sweeney, DPM, FACFAS, and Dr. Christy Leahey, DPM, FACFAS, lead Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists with more than 20 years of experience treating complex foot infections in the Houston area. Their practice has been voted Best Podiatrist in The Woodlands by Living Magazine every year since 2012, a 14-year streak built on trusted, compassionate care.
What Causes Foot Infections?
Infections of the foot can be caused by fungi, viruses, or bacteria. Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection, whereas warts are caused by a viral infection. When people refer to a “foot infection,” however, they are usually talking about bacterial infections — most often caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus.
Bacteria typically enter through a break in the skin, such as a cut, abrasion, puncture wound, or ulceration. From there, the infection can spread quickly into deeper tissue if not treated promptly.
Understanding Cellulitis and Abscesses
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin, most often caused by Streptococcus. It can become very serious — even life-threatening — without proper care. Common signs include:
- Spreading redness around the affected area
- Warmth and tenderness of the skin
- Swelling
- Fever and chills
People with chronic leg swelling, venous stasis, or athlete’s foot are especially prone to cellulitis, because tiny skin cracks create easy entry points for bacteria. Soft corns between the toes and puncture wounds can also lead to deep, pus-filled abscesses that may infect underlying bone if ignored.
Look-Alike Conditions and Hidden Risks
Not every red, painful joint is an infection. Gout, caused by elevated uric acid, can mimic infection with sudden swelling and redness. Rare bloodstream infections — sometimes traced to an abscessed tooth — can also affect the feet. Patients with joint replacements, heart valve replacements, pacemakers, or mitral valve prolapse should be especially cautious, since infections can spread to these critical sites.
Treatment Options at Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists
Treatment depends on the depth and severity of the infection. Your podiatrist may recommend:
- Oral or IV antibiotics
- Surgical cleaning (debridement) of deep wounds
- Advanced wound care and dressings
- MLS laser therapy to reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue repair
- Surgical removal of infected bone when osteomyelitis is present
Diabetic Foot Infections
Diabetic patients face a uniquely high risk. Reduced circulation and nerve sensitivity mean that small corns, calluses, or ulcers can break down, allowing multiple bacteria to invade at once. Long-standing ulcers may even lead to osteomyelitis — a bone infection that typically requires surgery in addition to antibiotics. Bone scans, CT scans, and MRI scans help diagnose these infections, but your treating doctor’s experience is critical to making the right call.
Why Choose Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists for Infection Treatment in The Woodlands, TX?
Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists combines decades of clinical expertise with the latest in podiatric technology. Dr. Sweeney and Dr. Leahey are board-certified Fellows of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and the practice has earned the trust of the Houston community through compassionate, patient-centered care for patients of all ages.
With two convenient locations in The Woodlands and Magnolia, you receive coordinated, advanced care close to home — delivered with the warmth and integrity that define our award-winning practice.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Foot infections can progress quickly, but prompt treatment from an experienced podiatrist can protect your health and preserve your mobility. Whether you are managing a diabetic ulcer, a stubborn case of cellulitis, or a suspicious puncture wound, the team at Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists is ready to help you heal. Call our The Woodlands office at (281) 292-4944 or our Magnolia office at (281) 789-4956 to book a consultation.