Wound Care Specialist

How can I prevent foot wounds?

Regular foot exams and daily foot care are the best ways to prevent foot wounds. Your physician can determine if you’re at a higher risk of developing foot wounds if you experience any of the following:

• Neuropathy
• Poor circulation
• A foot deformity, including corns, bunions, and hammertoes
• Uncontrolled blood sugar
• History of previous foot ulcers
• Wearing ill-fitting shoes

The doctors can give you specific recommendations for daily foot care if you have any of these issues or require recommendations on appropriate footwear for your job, daily activities, or exercise program.

When should I get wound care from a podiatrist?

You should seek care from your doctor as soon as you notice a foot ulcer or another open wound on your foot. Foot ulcers have the following signs:

• An open sore or wound on the sole of the foot
• Swelling, discoloration, and warmth around the wound
• Foul-smelling discharge seeping from the wound
• Pain and tenderness when the wound is touched
• Callused or thickened skin around the wound

In the late stages, foot ulcers can cause fever and chills, along with other signs of infection.

How do podiatrists treat foot wounds?

Treating foot wounds requires special skills and antibacterial products to prevent contamination. That’s why it’s best to see your podiatrist for treatment rather than bandaging a foot wound yourself. There are a number of steps involved in wound care, including:

• Examining the wound for signs of infection
• Taking the pressure off the area, called off-loading
• Removing dead skin and tissue surrounding the wound in a process called debridement
• Applying medications and bandages to the wound
• Managing blood sugar and other factors that contribute to the wound

Your podiatrist then provides you with at-home care instructions to prevent your wound from getting infected. These instructions may include:

• Managing blood sugar levels
• Keeping the ulcer clean and covered with a bandage
• Cleaning the wound daily using approved soaps or antibacterial products
• Avoiding walking barefoot

You may also need to switch footwear if you’re experiencing a foot wound. This can take pressure off of the wound and reduce rubbing or friction that can irritate the injured tissues.

If you need care for a foot wound, call The Methodist Physician Group Specialists now or request an appointment online.