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:
- 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.
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