My entire foot/ankle hurts!

by Doruss
(Fredericksburg, VA)

Several weeks ago, my dog ran across my bare foot and scratched it with her nails along the toes. I didn't think the scratch was serious, and I ignored it.

About a week to a week and a half later, my four toes that got scratched started to hurt. The pain has spread.


First it went into my big toe, then onto the top of my foot. I can feel it advancing into my ankle now.


I am unable to put on any shoes (including sandals) without experiencing the terrible pain that walking with them on, causes.


My question is this: could the dog scratch have introduced something into my body? And, if so, do you have any thoughts on what it might be?


Most parasites I have read about so far, seem to infect the intestinal track in humans.

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Dear Doruss,

This is NOT good and something you definitely need to take care of sooner rather than later. It sounds like you have an infection from the dog scratch and that the infection is spreading.


There are many types of parasites, and not all of them are intestinal. For example, bacteria is a form of parasite, and some form of bacteria is what I suspect you may be dealing with.


You may want to consider seeing a doctor. Most likely they will prescribe some form of antibiotic. If you choose to go that route, please be sure to get yourself some probiotics, too, to take while you are taking the antibiotics and for a couple of weeks afterword.


Probiotics are things like acidophilus and bifidus. You may be familiar with their presence in organic yogurt. You can also buy probiotics in pill form (like Florafood) which is what I would recommend because you get much more live good bacteria than in the yogurt.


In fact, regardless of whether you take antibiotics or not, I would still suggest you load up on the probiotics to help your body fight off the infection.


Also, pick up some hydrogen peroxide to cleanse the skin/scratch and also get some organic coriander oil. Last month I was reading some research results on the use of coriander oil to fight off some really heavy duty infections.


You can actually get coriander oil capsules, too, if you want to take some internally, but I'd get the oil as well to apply to the foot and ankle.


Most of us hate to go to the doctor unless absolutely necessary (myself included), but an infection that is out of control can be very dangerous.


If these simple suggestions don't start bringing some relief and healing, you may just have to break down and go. If you'd rather see a doctor in your area who is skilled in natural medicine, try locating one via the International College of Integrative Medicine, www.icimed.com, (866)464-5226.


I hope this helps some and that you'll also give us an update in future to let us know how you progress.


To your good health!
Angie