Diagnosis
Physical Exam
Your physician will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. He or she may also refer you to a foot specialist or podiatrist.
Diagnostic Tests
You may need to undergo any one of a number of the following tests:
Wound culture
This will determine if there is an infection.
X-rays
This test uses radiation to take a picture of the structures inside your body, particularly the bones, in case there is an infection there.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
This test delivers computer-generated, x-ray images of structures inside the body, and may be used to identify abscesses or sites of infection.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan
MRI uses magnets and radio waves to make images of the inside of your body. This test may also be used to evaluate abscesses.
Arterial Doppler Ultrasound
This test uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images on a monitor for the purpose of evaluating the arterial blood flow to your lower extremities.