Diabetic Foot Care, Wounds & Circulation · Columbia
Foot Infections, Cellulitis, Abscesses & Osteomyelitis treatment in Columbia, TN
Expert care for foot infections at our Columbia clinic, 1215 Hatcher Lane.
Understanding foot infections, and how we help in Columbia.
Looking for help with foot infections in Columbia? Our Columbia clinic at 1215 Hatcher Lane offers exams, treatment, and follow up close to home.
A foot infection happens when germs get into the skin or deeper tissue. Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and the layer below it. An abscess is a pocket of pus, and osteomyelitis is an infection in the bone.
Cuts, cracks, ingrown nails, and sores can let germs in. People with diabetes or poor circulation are at higher risk. Infections can spread fast, so quick treatment is important.
Symptoms
Signs of foot infections.
If you notice these signs and live near Columbia, an exam can give you clear answers.
- 01
Red, warm, swollen, or tender skin
- 02
A pocket of pus or a painful lump
- 03
Drainage or a bad smell from a wound
- 04
Fever, chills, or red streaks moving up the leg
Why it happens
What can cause foot infections.
- 01
Cuts, cracks, blisters, and puncture wounds
- 02
Ingrown toenails and athlete's foot
- 03
Open ulcers that stay uncovered
- 04
A weakened immune system or poor blood flow
Diagnosis and care
How we treat foot infections in Columbia.
Step 1 · Diagnosis
We examine the skin for redness, warmth, swelling, and drainage. We may take a sample from a wound to find the germ, and order blood tests. X-rays or an MRI can show whether the infection has reached the bone.
Step 2 · Treatment
Treatment often includes prescription antibiotics matched to the germ. For an abscess, we drain the pocket during a minor in-office procedure and clean the area. We use wound care and rest, and raise the foot to reduce swelling. Deep or spreading infections may need care in the hospital with medicine given through a vein.
Surgery may be needed to clean out infected tissue or bone, especially with osteomyelitis or a deep abscess. Removing infected bone can help the infection clear and protect the rest of the foot.
Your visit
What to expect at our Columbia clinic.
Your visit for foot infections in Columbia is simple and friendly.
- 1
Talk and exam
We listen first, then examine your feet and how you walk at our Columbia clinic.
- 2
Clear answers
X-rays or other imaging when needed, so you leave knowing what is wrong.
- 3
A plan for you
We begin with gentle options that work, with follow ups close to home in Columbia.
Recovery
What to expect over time.
Skin infections often improve in days to a couple of weeks. Bone infections can need many weeks of treatment and follow-up.
When to book
Do not wait it out in Columbia.
See a podiatrist right away for redness, warmth, pus, or a wound that looks worse each day. Go to an emergency room for fever, red streaks, confusion, or fast-spreading redness.
Call 615-220-8788Related care
More in Diabetic Foot Care, Wounds & Circulation.
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- Chronic Non-Healing Wounds & Limb Preservation in Columbia
- Peripheral Arterial Disease & Poor Circulation in Columbia
- Leg and Foot Swelling, Edema & Lymphedema in Columbia
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FAQ
Your questions answered.
Is cellulitis contagious?
It usually does not spread from person to person. It is a skin infection that needs treatment so it does not spread inside your body.
Why do I need X-rays for a skin infection?
They can show gas, foreign objects, or bone changes. That helps us know if the infection is deeper than it looks.
Do you treat foot infections in Columbia, TN?
Yes. Our Columbia clinic at 1215 Hatcher Lane, Columbia, TN 38401 treats foot infections in children and adults. Call 615-220-8788 to book a visit.
How soon can I be seen for foot infections in Columbia?
Call the Columbia clinic at 615-220-8788 or send a request online. Tell us about your pain and we will find the earliest time that works for you.
Columbia clinic
Get help with foot infections in Columbia.
1215 Hatcher Lane, Columbia, TN 38401
Visit the Columbia clinic pageNearby clinics
Foot Infections, Cellulitis, Abscesses & Osteomyelitis care near Columbia.
- PulaskiAbout 30 miles away
- BrentwoodAbout 30 miles away
- ShelbyvilleAbout 36 miles away
- SmyrnaAbout 38 miles away