A 57-year-old man with diabetes and a toe infection.

Foot infections are common complications in the diabetic population resulting in significant associated morbidity. Several risk factors predispose these individuals to foot infections including, but not limited to, sensory neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, motor neuropathy, atherosclerotic disease, hyperglycemia, and immune dysfunction.5 Medical work-up and treatment of diabetic foot infections depends on the extent and severity of the infection. An organized and practical approach based on an understanding of the pathophysiology and microbiology is helpful in the evaluation and treatment of these infections. 2