Diabetic Foot Infections | footDrHorsley Newsletter - July 1 2009

Welcome to the July 1 2009 edition of the footDrHorsley newsletter. Our newsletter is available to everyone. In each issue we feature a foot health topic of interest to our readers.
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In this Issue:

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Feature Article: Diabetic Foot Infections

by Amelia White (Contributing Editor)

Any time a break in the skin occurs, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens can enter and cause an infection. The foot is an especially rich source of bacteria and invading microorganisms, because your shoes provide them a perfect environment in which to live. Therefore, any time you notice a lesion, ulcer, cut, or sore on your feet, you need to take prompt action to prevent infection. A foot ulcer is the most likely source of infection in the foot. When an ulcer becomes infected, microorganisms can eat through layers of skin and bone tissue to create a deep hole. When the infection spreads or becomes too deep, amputation may be needed.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an infected ulcer include fever, redness, swelling, warmth around the wound, and any sort of drainage or oozing of pus-like material. There aren't as many symptoms for infections as there are for other foot problems, but they are still as serious.

Risks for contracting an infection

An infected ulcer can eat away at your soft tissue and make its way into the bone. If the infection is deep, a part of the foot or even the entire foot or leg may have to be removed to save your life.

If you have been diagnosed with, or have symptoms of foot infections:

If you notice any signs of infection in a foot ulcer, notify your doctor or podiatrist right away. You need to be seen at once before the infection spreads further. If the infection is not severe, you will be treated on an outpatient basis, but you should be seen every 2 or 3 days for the first week or so. Most infections will show some improvement in a few days. If you have a soft-tissue infection, you will need advanced care from your podiatrist or a qualified wound care specialist. Signs of a worsening infection include fever or an elevation in an existing fever, increased pain, redness, warmth, or pus formation. Avoiding walking on your infected foot. If you need to get around, consider using a pair of crutches or even a wheelchair. If you notice any swelling, keep your leg elevated.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms addressed, we strongly recommend that you seek the advice of your podiatrist for proper diagnosis.

Portobello Mushrooms (Recipe)

footDrHorsley invites you to try this cookbook recipe. (Contributed by Attiyya Ingram)

To view this, and other recipes online please visit:
http://www.footdrhorsley.com/lifestyle/cookbook/mushrooms.php

Ingredients

  • 4 carrots, washed
  • 1 lb of medium portobello mushrooms
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic, wine, or herbed vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions to prepare

  1. Preheat the broiler or prepare a charcoal grill, spraying the rack with non-stick pan spray.
  2. Clean the mushrooms well and cut off the tough bottoms of the stems.
  3. Combine the olive oil, vinegar, and garlic in a small bowl.
  4. Brush all surfaces of the mushrooms with the mixture. Allow to marinate at least 20 minutes.
  5. Put the mushrooms on the prepared broiler pan or grill, stem sides up.
  6. Broil or grill about 4 inches from the heat source until the mushrooms are tender, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
  7. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Enjoy!

Important Information about this Newsletter

All content in this Newsletter and within the footDrHorsley web site is provided for general information only. The information provided should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor, podiatrist or any other health care professional.

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footDrHorsley
4901 W Main Street
Belleville, Illinois 62226
p: (618) 222-1986
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