Star Bowler In Doubt With Toe Infection

By |2025-02-25T08:55:06+00:00April 24th, 2014|
Star Bowler In Doubt With Toe Infection

Star Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson is in danger of missing the Twenty 20 World Cup in Bangladesh with a toe injury.

Johnson has been a revelation this summer and was a key part of Australia’s 5–0 Ashes demolition taking 37 wickets at a staggering average of just 13.9. The big left armer was also prominent in the latest series win over South Africa taking 22 wickets.

According to a recent Herald Sun report the menacing left armer’s toe infection set in late during Australia’s triumphant 2-1 series victory over the world’s top ranked test nation South Africa. It is believed the fast bowler’s injury flared from nasty blisters on his feet especially the right big toe which is Johnson’s front landing foot. The infection has spread to his right foot and Johnson is currently on a strong course of antibiotics to treat the infection but may miss one month of cricket as a result.

What causes foot infections?

Foot infections are caused by breaks in the skin. This break then creates an avenue for foreign germs (parasites, bacteria, fungi, viruses etc.) to enter the tissues or bloodstream leading to infection.

They can commonly arise in the foot secondary to:

  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Puncture wounds
  • Fissures (especially between the toes where the environment is moist)
  • Ulceration

Symptoms of foot infection

Symptoms of foot infection include:

  • Pain
  • Heat
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Sometimes pus or a smelly wound discharge is present

Treatment and prevention of foot infections

If you are concerned of an infection you should immediately see your local GP or podiatrist. Infections can be treated with a prescription of antibiotics from a GP whilst a podiatrist can help diagnose and treat the initial cause of infection.

In the case of ingrown toenails it is important to remember that antibiotics will only treat the infection, they will not treat the cause. Infection will keep reoccurring with ingrown toenails unless the offending ingrown toenail is removed or treated by a podiatrist.

For prevention all wounds and breaks in the skin should be thoroughly cleaned and dressed with an antiseptic. Diabetics need to be especially cautious as they are more prone to infection.

Seeing one of our Melbourne podiatrists for treatment of diabetes, callus, ulcers, blisters and ingrown toenails as soon as they arise will also help to prevent foot infections.