Gangrene of the Foot & Toes — Treatment in Hernando & Southaven, MS
Gangrene means tissue has died from loss of blood flow or severe infection. It requires urgent evaluation, vascular workup, and often surgical care to save the foot.
Gangrene of the foot or toes develops from poor circulation (peripheral artery disease), severe infection, or both. It commonly presents as a black, dry, or wet area on a toe or part of the foot.
Treatment starts with urgent vascular evaluation to determine if circulation can be restored, infection control, and surgical care — ranging from limited toe amputation to bypass or revascularization referral, with the goal of saving as much of the foot as possible.
- Urgent vascular evaluation & referral
- Surgical debridement
- Infection control & IV antibiotics when needed
- Toe or partial-foot amputation to save the rest of the foot
- Amputation prevention protocols
- Post-amputation wound healing
- Black, brown, or purple discoloration of toes or foot
- Foul odor
- Severe pain — or no pain at all in numb feet
- Cold, pale, or pulseless foot
- Drainage or wetness in dead tissue
- Fever and feeling unwell
- Black or dead-looking toe or foot — call immediately
- Fever with discolored toes
- Spreading wetness or drainage from black tissue
- Severe pain, or a sudden cold pale foot — go to the ER
Frequently asked questions
Can gangrene be treated without amputation?
Sometimes. If circulation can be restored quickly and the dead tissue is limited, the foot can often be saved. Larger or infected areas may require partial amputation to save the remaining foot.
How fast does gangrene spread?
Wet gangrene with infection can spread within hours to days. Dry gangrene is more stable but still needs urgent evaluation. Do not wait — call the same day.
Related wound care topics
Foot Health Centers
Hernando, MS 38632
Foot Health Centers
Southaven, MS 38671
Request an appointment
Same-week appointments usually available for new or non-healing wounds.
Ready to Get Relief?
Call Foot Health Centers to schedule your visit in Hernando or Southaven.