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Most people experience some form of foot wound at one point or another, but for people with poor circulation, a foot wound can be extremely serious. For effective wound care to prevent complications, turn to the expert team at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists, with offices in Elgin, Schaumburg, Huntley, and the Montclare neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. To find out more about your wound care options, call the office to book a visit or schedule online today.
Anything that breaks the skin's surface on your feet is a foot wound. Ulcers are a type of wound that doesn’t immediately heal.
Anyone who suffers a large or deep cut or abrasion on their foot should seek treatment to ensure the damage is promptly repaired and bandaged, and any infection is addressed.
People with diabetes have limited circulation, making it hard for any wound to heal.
Diabetics also often experience nerve damage that prevents them from feeling pain on the bottom of their feet. This can allow wounds to develop and worsen quickly, becoming a serious health problem that can lead to extensive tissue damage and even amputation.
When you come in for a wound care visit, your podiatrist begins by examining your feet to learn more about the type and extent of tissue damage. Your customized treatment plan is designed to align with your overall and podiatric health.
Debridement is the process of removing dead tissue from a wound. This increases blood flow to the area, which aids in healing. Debridement can be done with traditional tools, like a scalpel, or chemically using a special enzyme solution.
Offloading is a treatment that seeks to alter the distribution of pressure in the wound area. Orthotics can protect your wound during the healing process. Special shoes, boots, or braces can also help your body’s innate healing power goes to work repairing damaged tissue.
Infected wounds often require antibiotics to control the infection and protect your overall health. If you receive a prescription for antibiotics, it’s important to take the full course of medication as prescribed, even if your wound improves.
If you don’t have a chronic health issue like diabetes or a condition that affects your immune system, you may be able to support your body’s healing ability without in-office treatment. Keep the area clean and dry, and use bandaging and antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of infection.
If your wound doesn’t appear to be healing, schedule a diagnostic exam. Your body should begin the healing process right away, so if there’s no improvement after a day or two, contact Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists.
If you have diabetes, you should schedule routine diabetic foot care to ensure your feet are healthy and free of any wounds. If a wound develops, call the office immediately to begin care before infection sets in.
Prompt attention is the best way to prevent negative outcomes in patients with diabetes.
For effective wound care, the team at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists is ready to help. Call the office today or book your visit online.