As an area of your body that constantly incurs pressure, your feet can feel extremely painful if you have a wound. At North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists in Gainesville and Lake City, Florida, Joshua Epstein, DPM, AACFAS, FACPM, and Sarina Epstein, DPM, AACFAS, treat all types of foot wounds. Ulcers and puncture wounds are two types of injuries that require prompt treatment. If you have a painful or slow-healing wound, call North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists to book an appointment now.
What is wound care?
Wound care refers to the medical attention your doctor pays to a tissue injury, such as a puncture wound, laceration, or slow-healing sore. At North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists, your podiatrist offers effective treatments to repair and heal foot wounds.
It’s important to seek treatment for foot wounds as soon as possible. Without prompt care, a foot wound can worsen or become infected, further damaging the surrounding tissue.
When would I need wound care?
There are two types of foot wounds that podiatrists primarily treat:
Puncture wounds
A puncture wound typically occurs when you step on something sharp, such as a nail, needle, or narrow rock. These deep wounds can happen at any time, but they’re especially common in the summer when people often walk around outside barefoot.
A variety of potentially harmful foreign bodies can embed in a foot wound, such as glass, so immediate care is vital for proper healing.
Ulcers
Foot ulcers are open sores in the outer layers of the skin that expose the deeper tissues. Many foot ulcers either heal very slowly or don’t heal at all. Ulcers often require professional intervention to treat.
What causes ulcers?
Foot ulcers typically occur in individuals who have an underlying condition that causes poor blood circulation. Those with diabetes, vascular disease, and neuropathy are especially vulnerable.
These conditions can make it difficult to notice when a small cut or callus is developing into a non-healing ulcer. In addition, the poor blood circulation that accompanies these conditions slows the tissue healing process.
What are the treatments in wound care?
If you have a puncture wound, your podiatrist must clean and sterilize the wound to prevent infection. They may also order imaging scans to see if your wound has leftover debris. Your provider must closely monitor the wound to ensure it heals without complications.
Ulcers require more intensive treatment. Your podiatrist may prescribe antibiotics to clear any infection before performing a procedure to remove the unhealthy tissue. Removing this tissue can help encourage healing. Investing in well-fitting shoes or custom orthotic shoe inserts can also relieve discomfort.
To learn more about wound care, call North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists to schedule an appointment today.