If you have injured your foot and developed a wound, it is important to seek medical attention, especially if you are diabetic. Wounds on the feet can develop for many reasons such as wearing shoes that cause a blister because they don’t fit properly or stepping on a sharp object. Along with diabetes, other factors such as neuropathy, poor circulation, or a foot deformity can put you at an increased risk for foot wounds that can develop into ulcers. It is important to contact a podiatrist skilled in diabetic wounds at the earliest signs of a foot ulcer before it turns into a more serious problem and causes complications such as an infection.  Caring for your foot wound before an appointment

Caring for a Foot Wound Before Your Appointment

If you develop a diabetic foot wound and are waiting to see your podiatrist, there are several things to do before your appointment.

Caring for Your Wound

  • Clean the wound with mild soap and warm water
  • Keep the wound covered with a loose dressing or bandage
  • Avoid walking barefoot or putting pressure on the wound

How a Texas Podiatrist Treats Foot Wounds

At your appointment, a podiatrist will evaluate the wound and make treatment recommendations based on your specific condition.

Treatment Options

  • Cleaning the wound
  • Applying a topical antibiotic medication or prescribing an oral antibiotic to treat or prevent further infection
  • Taking pressure off the wound by using padding on the area or using a walking aid such as crutches
  • Debriding the wound to remove dead skin or tissue to promote healing
  • Keeping the wound covered with a dressing or bandage

In cases where the wound is severe, hospitalization may be needed to prevent the spread of infection. If the infection spreads to surrounding tissue or bone, amputation may be needed to save your life.

Contact an Experienced Texas Podiatrist

If you have developed a wound on your foot that is not healing, the podiatrists at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists can help. To request an appointment, contact our Grapevine or Keller office by filling out our convenient online contact form or by calling our office at 817-481-4000.

 

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