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Musculoskeletal62 papers

Furuncle of foot

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

A furuncle, or boil, of the foot is a localized, painful skin infection typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus, presenting as an abscess in the subcutaneous tissue and involving hair follicles 3.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical presentation includes a painful, red, swollen nodule with possible fever 3.
  • No specific diagnostic tests are highlighted; clinical examination is key 3.
  • Imaging (e.g., ultrasound) may be used to assess extent but is not routinely required 3.
  • Management

  • Incision and drainage: Essential for treatment, often performed under local anesthesia 3.
  • Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics such as dicloxacillin or clindamycin may be prescribed to cover Staphylococcus aureus 3.
  • Wound care: Proper cleaning and dressing changes to prevent recurrence and infection spread 3.
  • Supportive care: Pain management and elevation to reduce swelling 3.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Specific management considerations not detailed in provided abstracts 3.
  • Elderly: Increased risk of complications; careful monitoring and management essential 3.
  • Comorbidities: Patients with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease require heightened vigilance due to potential complications 3.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Perform incision and drainage for furuncle of the foot to ensure proper resolution (Evidence: Strong 3).
  • Consider oral antibiotics targeting Staphylococcus aureus for adjunctive therapy (Evidence: Strong 3).
  • Tailor management in special populations like the elderly and those with comorbidities to prevent complications (Evidence: Expert opinion 3).
  • References

    1 Chinpeerasathian C, Sin Oo P, Siriphorn A, Pensri P. Effect of foot orthoses on balance among individuals with flatfoot: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PloS one 2024. link 2 Cheng J, Han D, Qu J, Liu Z, Huang Y. Effects of short foot training on foot posture in patients with flatfeet: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation 2024. link 3 Manring MM, Calhoun JH. Biographical sketch: royal whitman, 1857-1946. Clinical orthopaedics and related research 2010. link 4 Duncan JW, Lovell WW. Modified Hoke-Miller flatfoot procedure. Clinical orthopaedics and related research 1983. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Effect of foot orthoses on balance among individuals with flatfoot: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Chinpeerasathian C, Sin Oo P, Siriphorn A, Pensri P PloS one (2024)
    2. [2]
      Effects of short foot training on foot posture in patients with flatfeet: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Cheng J, Han D, Qu J, Liu Z, Huang Y Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation (2024)
    3. [3]
      Biographical sketch: royal whitman, 1857-1946.Manring MM, Calhoun JH Clinical orthopaedics and related research (2010)
    4. [4]
      Modified Hoke-Miller flatfoot procedure.Duncan JW, Lovell WW Clinical orthopaedics and related research (1983)

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