Not all foot wounds are the same, and knowing the difference can guide proper care. Arterial wounds often develop when blood flow to the feet is poor. These wounds are usually painful, may appear on the toes or heels, and often have a pale or punched out look. Venous wounds occur when veins are not moving blood efficiently back to the heart. These are commonly found around the ankles, may be less painful, and often appear with swelling or discoloration of the skin. Neurotrophic wounds, often linked to diabetes or nerve damage, may form on pressure points of the feet. Because sensation is reduced, these wounds can develop unnoticed and worsen over time. wound type has distinct causes and needs special attention. If you notice any foot or ankle wound that is not healing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Chicago Foot Specialists. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
