Help! My Feet are Red

February is a month filled with the color red. For podiatrists, however, this is one color that we’d prefer not to see when examining your feet or ankles. Red is a sign of concern, and the team at Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC, encourages patients to respond quickly and seek help. This symptom is an indicator that something else is happening within your body, from irritation, poor circulation or infection.  Here are three things you should do:

Stop

If you notice a change of color to your skin, this means it is time to stop. If you notice a swollen ankle while playing a sport, sit down and rest. If you see blood as a result of your corn rubbing the inside of your shoe, stop and re-evaluate your shoe choice. Depending on the cause of the redness, a podiatrist can provide a specific treatment plan. During the interim, continuing a repetitive action may only cause further irritation.

Look

Red may be a strong indicator of concern, but visiting a podiatrist is a great way to receive a proper diagnosis. During the interim, look for additional signs of an infection. These symptoms include increased pain and redness, discharge or an odor, and swelling, among other signs. If you have these symptoms, you are at risk of worsening infection and need medical assistance. Don’t wait for your symptoms to improve on their own.

Listen

Listen to your body — then listen to your podiatrist. After noticing a change to your skin and scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist, be sure to follow medical advice on how to reduce your redness and prevent it from happening in the future. Whether it’s finishing your prescribed medication or clipping your toenails differently, a podiatrist’s suggestion is in your best interests.

If you’re seeing increased redness on your feet or ankles, call Westfield, IN, serving the Hamilton County area and schedule a visit or contact us at (317) 896-6655 to make an appointment with Dr. David Sullivan, a Certified Wound Specialist.