Wound Care

What is wound care?

Wound care refers to the treatment and management of chronic wounds. If you have a slow-healing wound or non-healing foot ulcer, Dr. Wright or Dr. Perry can determine the appropriate treatment to expedite the recovery process at Total Family Foot Care. The sooner you seek treatment for a chronic wound, the more likely you are to salvage your healthy tissue.

Who needs wound care?

Although anybody can develop a slow-healing wound, individuals with diabetes are at the highest risk.

Diabetes, a chronic condition resulting from high blood sugar levels, can damage your blood vessel walls over time. Not only does this slow blood circulation in your lower extremities, but it can also damage your nerves.

Without functioning nerves, you may not feel a cut, scrape, or blister forming on your foot. Coupled with slow healing due to poor blood circulation, individuals with diabetes are less likely to notice a non-healing ulcer (open sore) developing.

What are the types of wounds that require care?

The most common types of foot wounds that Dr. Wright and Dr. Perry treat at Total Family Foot Care include:

Diabetic foot ulcer

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that typically appears on the sole of the foot, heel, or big toe. Without treatment, diabetic foot wounds can continue damaging healthy tissue to the point of requiring amputation.

Pressure ulcer

Pressure ulcers typically develop from prolonged stress on the skin. They commonly occur when one area of your body, such as the feet, that absorb pressure for extended periods of time.

Venous stasis ulcer

A venous stasis ulcer is the result of damaged veins. These wounds often appear on the legs or ankles.

Arterial ulcer

Arterial ulcers are the result of arterial insufficiency, when blood flow becomes blocked in your arteries. Most arterial ulcers develop in areas of friction, such as the outer ankles or tips of the toes.

Puncture wounds

A puncture wound happens when a long, thin object deeply penetrates the tissue on the bottom of your foot. Stepping on a nail, needle, or piece of glass can all cause puncture wounds. Because puncture wounds can be small, they’re difficult to treat without professional care. Untreated puncture wounds are also vulnerable to infection.

What does wound care include?

Depending on the severity and type of wound, Dr. Wright or Dr. Perry at Total Family Foot Care may recommend:

• Checking your feet multiple times a day
• Shoe modifications
• Custom-made orthotics
• Weight management
• Regular exercise
• Antibiotics
• Corns and calluses treatment

If your wound is severe, Dr. Wright or Dr. Perry may recommend debridement to remove unhealthy tissue from the sore. Wound debridement can help stimulate healing to prevent the need for more serious treatments, such as amputation.

To learn more about wound care, call Total Family Foot Care or schedule an appointment online now.