People call a doctor for help diagnosing and treating a wide array of problems.

There are signs of bacterial infection, including:

• Increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, or heat.
• Red streaks extending from the affected area.
• Discharge or pus.
• Spreading of an infection from one area to another.
• fever, redness (sometimes warmth), or numbness.
• Pain that is not alleviated by ice or over-the-counter painkillers (such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
• Diabetics with poor circulation