No. Although diabetic patients must be concerned about foot wounds and are more likely to develop foot ulcers than most, there are other conditions that can increase your risk for a foot wound, including:  Foot wounds and non-diabetic patients

  • Poor circulation
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Heart or kidney disease
  • Obesity
  • Foot deformity
  • Alcohol or tobacco use

Common Causes of Foot Wounds

Foot wounds can develop for a variety of reasons, but some common causes include:  

  • Walking barefoot and injuring the bottom of your foot
  • Wearing shoes that do not fit well and rub certain areas of your foot
  • Standing for long periods of time and putting pressure on your feet

What to Do If You Have a Foot Wound

If you have a wound on your foot, it is important to keep it clean and covered. Many wounds heal on their own and do not pose a problem. Signs that can indicate a more serious problem and require medical attention are:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Bleeding or drainage
  • Foul odor

If you notice these signs, or the sore on your foot or toe is not healing or is slow to heal, contact a podiatrist for an evaluation. Our DFW podiatrist will exam your foot to determine what treatment will work best for your specific condition. Treating a foot ulcer may include:

  • Cleaning the wound
  • Debridement to remove dead tissue and debris from the wound
  • Bandaging the wound
  • Applying topical antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
  • Keeping weight off the foot until the wound is healed
  • Elevating the foot to reduce pain and swelling

Foot wounds that go untreated are especially dangerous for those with diabetes. Complications from a foot ulcer can cause infection and gangrene, and they can sometimes result in amputation.

Our DFW Podiatrist Can Help!

If you have a wound on your foot or are experiencing pain, contact Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists for help. To request an appointment in our Grapevine or Keller office, fill out our online contact form, or call our office at 817-481-4000.