Role of Clinical Assessment, Identification of Bug, Antibiotics, and Surgery in Chronic Foot Infections: Case Series

ill-fitting footwear amplify risks of trauma to the foot. 9,10Foot infections can range from soft-tissue infections, including cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, and pyomyositis, to involvement of bone and IntroductIonThe foot is a specialized anatomical structure comprising over 20 articulations, 44 tendons, over 100 ligaments, and a network of fascial planes, serving as a framework for intricate functions.It plays a crucial role in providing stability to the entire skeleton, allowing weight bearing with mobility.Foot infections represent a significant clinical burden globally, owing to their complex functional anatomy and continuous exposure to external environments.It remains constantly susceptible to pressure-induced injuries, especially in individuals with structural abnormalities or altered foot biomechanics and neuropathy. 1 Additionally, its structure, which includes web spaces and toenails, contributes to an increased risk of microbial accumulation, repeated trauma, and subsequent infection. 2Despite the high prevalence of foot infections, diagnostic and therapeutic challenges make it an underresearched area of clinical practice contributing to the paucity of evidence in this area.Foot infections are primarily caused by three underlying mechanisms: (1) direct inoculation and foreign body (FB) penetration, (2) direct contiguous spread from surrounding infection, or (3) hematogenous seeding. [3][4]4][5] Several anatomical and physiological factors contribute to the vulnerability of foot to pressure-induced injuries and infections.These include structural foot deformities causing abnormal foot biomechanics, peripheral neuropathy, and peripheral vascular disease. [6][7]7][8] In Asia-Pacific region, the high prevalence of barefoot walking and the use of