DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a T10 (mid-back) paraplegic in good health. About once a year I get an attack of chills, shakes, fever, etc., that are usually caused by a urinary tract infection. In every instance, my left foot and ankle swell, turn red, and stay hot well after my temperature has returned to normal. The redness and swelling go away after about a week and then the foot begins to peel just like it’s been badly sunburned. I have no light-touch sensation in the foot (or below the point of injury) but I know it “hurts” because it is very spastic until it returns to normal. I have asked various doctors about this but have not received an explanation. One doctor said the infection originates in the foot. Does that seem reasonable to you?

DEAR READER: Yes. But I am also concerned about the possibility of a recurring infection the source of which is still unknown.
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