Prophylaxis
An important preventative measure against inflammation of the foot is first and foremost to pay attention to appropriate foot care.This is particularly important for older people, as they are often no longer able to care for their feet independently due to limited mobility. In this case it is recommended to make an appointment for foot care with a podiatrist. Even the smallest injuries, which are an entry point for germs and bacteria, can be caused by ingrown nails, for example, and can be effectively prevented by proper and regular foot care.
Therefore, it is recommended to always cut the nails straight and file them down to prevent ingrown nails. After washing, the feet should always be completely dried off so that no bacteria or fungi can multiply in the moist and warm spaces between the toes. It is also recommended to wear comfortable and wide shoes to avoid pressure points on the feet.
Prognosis
The prognosis depends mainly on the cause of the inflammation. If a rheumatic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis is the cause of the inflammation of the foot, a cure is not possible. This is an autoimmune disease, which runs in phases and thus sometimes appears more or less.
However, with the introduction of new drugs, such as so-called biologicals, the progression of the disease can be treated much better. If bacteria, fungi or viruses are the cause of a foot inflammation, a cure can be achieved by eliminating these germs. In diabetics who have a high predisposition to colonization by such germs, a rapid reduction in symptoms can be achieved by consistent treatment of the germs, blood sugar and suitable footwear.