foot acts like a diabetic but not

Dear Dr.
My husband has had a foot problem for 7 years, his left foot is swollen, big toe the size of two, second toe is webbing with the third toe. every year he spend 7 days in different hospitals with no cure. The doctors he has seen are Vacular Disease, Infectous Disease, foot dr. and others. He had several tests, MRI,ultra sound, He has taking the strongest two antibotic (antibiotic) at the same time. After taking meds, he has test done to his liver to make sure that is ok.  It is very frustaing not to know what he has. He is 45 years old doesnt drink, smoking, or drugs only what is given by Doctors, The foot has been purple color and in alot of pain, foot swollen and open sores.  

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without an evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of his foot symptoms. Possibilities that may need to be considered are DVT, POVD (Peripheral Occlusive Vascular Disease), infections, inflammations, arthritis, degenerations, neuropathic complication, sympathetic dystrophy etc; though with the description it sounds more like a vascular issue superimposed with infection. Such issues can be relentless at times and may take a long time to heal. At this stage it would be difficult to comment further without knowing the relevant clinical details. I would suggest discussing the conditions and the prognosis in detail with your doctor.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!