If you have a wound for more than 8 weeks and it still hasn’t healed, it may be considered to be chronic. Such an occurrence could be caused by poor circulation, diabetes, or a weak immune system. Open wounds on the lower leg are known as venous leg ulcers. These kinds of wounds may be medically treated by removing the dead or inflamed tissue, known as debridement. The wound itself can then be cleaned by a high-pressure water jet. A local anesthetic may be used as this treatment is said to be painful. Afterward, the wound should be covered with gauze or a similar dressing to keep it from becoming infected. Compression stockings may be prescribed to increase circulation. For more information on chronic wounds in the feet or ankle area, please consult a podiatrist.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
