Foot Ulcers

What are Some Cause of Foot Ulcers?

• Injury (Trauma): A direct injury, pucture wound, friction rub, callus, pressure point on the foot, or a laceration can cause an ulcer.
• Diabetes: Especially in patient with neuropathy (inability to feel the foot), changes in pressure can cause the formation of ulcerations. The elevated blood sugar related to Diabetes can damage nerves, arteries, and veins, and can contribute to wound formation and delayed healing.
• Blood flow issues: Whether peripheral vascular disease or peripheral arterial disease, changes in blood flow can cause swelling (which can cause wounds from internal pressure) or skin break-down. This can also decrease the chances of healing a foor, ankle, or leg wound.
• Pressure: Some people develop ulcers from prolonged sitting or sleeping in one position. The excess pressure can cause the skin to break down.

How are Foot Ulcers Treated?

Our Podiatrists (foot doctors) see foot, ankle, and leg wounds in our office. Early treatment is important for any wounds. Treatment options might include:

• Wound Care in office: Our Foot Doctors perform wound care in the office, depending on the extent of the injury and sensation present. Debridement (cleaning out the wound)  of non-viable tissue is performed. Proper dressings and topicals depending on the type of wound.
• Offloading: keeping pressure off of the foot or ankle sore is important.
• Antibiotics: If signs of infection are present, our Podiatrists might prescribe antibiotics.
• Foot X-rays and Other Imaging: Depending on the extent of the wound, advanced imaging techniques might be ordered. We have a state-of-the-art x-ray machine in our office to assess bones.
• Improving bloodflow, decreasing blood sugar, not smoking, proper diets
• Wound Graft Application: Sometimes it is necessary to apply a graft on a wound to increase healing (either in the office or in the OR).
• Compression of the Leg of Foot: Venous stasis ulcers and some others might require compression in order to improve.
• Foot or Ankle Surgery: Sometimes, our Podiatrist have to perform surgery to offload an area or debride (clean) an ulcer

What Should I Look Out For In Terms of A Foot Ulcer?

• Bleeding or purulent drainage (pus from a wound)
• Erythema (redness fo the foot or ankle)
• Malodor (any kind of bad foot odor)
• Increased warmth to the foot or ankle
• Any open wound to the foot, ankle, or leg
• Unexplained pain to the foot, ankle, or leg

As amputations are always a possibility, please feel free to reach out to our Podiatrists if you notice a foot ulcer or any lower leg ulceration!