Wound care Treatment in Novato, CA

Foot injuries and wounds can occur to anyone at any time.  Anyone can cut their foot or twist an ankle, but for people with varicose veins and diabetes, foot wounds may be a recurring issue. A minor cut or scratch on foot is usually not alarming, but certain injuries can become infected and lead to other health concerns if not treated promptly.

People with diabetes or poor blood circulation often experience foot ulcers. These ulcers can either be minor - affecting just the skin's surface or major ones - penetrating deeper into the tendons and even the bones. Foot ulcers can be uncomfortable and painful and can interfere with mobility, especially if it becomes infected.

Ulcerated wounds

Certain ailments of the patient can make dealing with foot wounds more difficult. For example, a simple blister in a healthy person is not a cause of concern and would require a minimal amount of time and treatment to heal. The complications are high for people with poor circulation - a condition found in individuals with diabetes and autoimmune or vascular disorders. Disease like diabetes reduces feeling in the extremities. It suppresses healing, making even a scratch or cut on the foot becoming infected and potentially lead to amputation if not promptly treated. Therefore, patients who have diabetes or are at risk for foot wound complications should take care of their feet properly with rigorous cleaning and careful foot inspection. They should also work directly with physicians to understand how to prevent wounds and manage existing ones. 

Puncture wounds

Feet are susceptible to puncture wounds, as sharp objects on the ground may not be immediately seen when walking. The injuries caused by those objects can be worrying because of the potential for harmful bacteria. Also, if the wound is deep, there are possibilities that pieces of debris can be trapped in them. So, without proper cleaning and wound care, this can lead to a severe infection.

Therefore, it is important to obtain immediate medical care if you receive a deep puncture wound on your foot. It is also advisable to take a tetanus shot booster if you haven't received one in the last five to ten years. After visiting an emergency department for immediate wound care, following up with a podiatrist afterward is essential to ensure the injury site is healing properly.

How are foot wounds treated?

Depending on the type of wound, your podiatrist may prescribe foot orthotics to place inside your shoes to provide more comfort and protect your feet. You may also be advised to rest your foot and keep weight off of it for immediate healing.

Your podiatrist may also debride ulcers in your feet and treat the infection. In some cases, the painful symptoms and the underlying cause of the wound can be relieved with oral medications and topical ointments. Additionally, intravenous ozone therapy can also be administered for the advanced healing of foot wounds.

Chronic foot and ankle wounds can cause mobility problems, affect the quality of your life, and lead to serious health issues if not treated well on time. The doctors at Clement Podiatry are experts in foot and wound care and offer innovative wound care therapies to effectively treat foot wounds for long-lasting relief from often debilitating symptoms.

Call Clement Podiatry at  (415) 898-4828 or schedule a consultation online to learn more.