Urgent Foot and Ankle Conditions
- Ingrown Toenails: If left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected, leading to increased pain, swelling, redness, and discharge.
- Severe Foot or Ankle Pain: Sudden, severe pain in the foot or ankle can be a sign of a fracture or tendon rupture..
- Sprains: A sudden twisting or rolling of the foot or ankle can cause severe pain, swelling/bruising, and inhibit your ability to stand and walk.
- Foreign Bodies: Objects lodged in the foot or ankle, such as splinter or glass, can cause pain and increase the risk of infection.
- Ruptures: Sudden tears or ruptures in tendons or ligaments can cause severe pain and instability.
- Burns: Thermal, chemical, or friction burns on the foot or ankle can damage the skin and deeper tissues, increasing the risk of infection and requiring prompt medical attention
- Lacerations: Deep or jagged cuts to the foot or ankle often require sutures and increase the risk of infection, especially in high-friction areas like the heel or toes.
- Puncture Wound Injuries: From stepping on nails, glass, or sharp objects can drive bacteria deep into tissue and lead to serious infections if not treated promptly.
- Cellulitis: A rapidly spreading skin infection, often appearing as redness, warmth, and swelling—especially dangerous in diabetic or immunocompromised patients.
- Abscesses: Localized infections that cause painful, swollen lumps often filled with pus; may require incision and drainage.
- Gout Flares: Sudden, severe joint pain (often in the big toe) due to uric acid crystal buildup, mimicking infection or fracture.
- Animal or Insect Bites: Bites to the feet or ankles can quickly become infected and may require antibiotics or wound management.
