Diabetic foot infection

Information for the public

If your healthcare professional thinks you have a foot infection you should start antibiotics as soon as possible. The type of antibiotic will depend on how bad the infection is and whether there is a risk of complications.

A small sample should be taken from your foot to check which bacteria are causing the infection. Your doctor may change your antibiotic when the results of these tests come back.

The infection should start to clear up within 1 to 2 days of starting antibiotics. Tell your doctor if it does not start to improve, if it starts to get worse or if you feel very unwell at any time.

How long you have to take antibiotics will depend on how bad the infection is and how quickly it starts to improve. Your doctor should explain that antibiotics can cause side effects, such as diarrhoea and nausea (feeling sick).

You might also have an X‑ray to see how severe the foot infection is. Some people may need a type of scan called an MRI.