When my potted fig leaves started turning brown on the edges i was told it might be root rot

Looks like rust to me. Nearly all figs in the southeast get it. Figs will defoliate but will put on new leaves after a couple of weeks. Figs can take pretty moist soils.

Yes it is rust a Fungi Spore it happens here near Chicago late in season, this season butterfly and monarda bush non fig related grown for hummingbird visits had it and was treated with a milk water solution early with some leaves removed and did fine it happened midsummer although it returned late then 4 frost hit everything so no more worry as they are finished for this year.

The figs plant up against garage wall facing south also did get rust but late in season when ripened figs were almost gone .

Anyways it happens late here with the fig plants so never bother to treat them ,

Martin