Understanding Foot Ulcers and Wounds
- A foot ulcer or wound is a persistent lesion on the feet that may not heal completely.
- Foot ulcers can result from various factors, including trauma, pressure, or medical conditions such as diabetes or vascular problems.
- Individuals with diabetes or vascular issues are at higher risk of developing foot ulcers, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
What to Expect During Wound Care Treatment
At New Horizons Foot and Ankle Associates in Louisville, Kentucky, our dedicated team is committed to providing comprehensive wound care to promote healing and prevent complications.
Here’s what you can expect during your podiatrist wound care appointment:
Thorough Assessment
Your podiatrist will begin by meticulously examining the wound, assessing your overall health status, and may conduct diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause and severity of the wound.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on the assessment findings, your podiatrist will devise a tailored treatment plan to address your specific needs. This plan may encompass:
- Cleansing and Dressing: Gentle cleaning and dressing of the wound to promote a clean and optimal healing environment.
- Debridement: Removal of dead tissue (debridement) to facilitate wound healing and prevent infection.
- Specialized Dressings: Application of specialized dressings to protect the wound and promote healing.
- Antibiotics: Prescription of antibiotics if an infection is present or suspected.
- Offloading Techniques: Recommendations for offloading techniques to alleviate pressure on the wound and prevent further injury.
- Pain Management: Prescription or recommendation of over-the-counter pain medications and topical pain relief methods, such as lidocaine patches.
- Surgery: In cases of complex, non-healing or delayed-healing wounds, surgery may be considered by your podiatrist to expedite the healing process.
- Laser: The use of Laser Medicine and Surgery has been proven to decrease healing time for wounds and ulcers through increasing vascular flow to the site, as well as initiating a more rapid healing cascade using your body’s own resources.
Patient Education
Your podiatrist will provide valuable education on proper foot care, particularly for patients with conditions like diabetes that increase the risk of foot wounds. This education empowers you to take proactive steps in managing and preventing future wounds.
Follow-up Appointment
Depending on the severity of the wound and the progress of healing, your podiatrist may schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your recovery and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
