Wound Care

Wound Care in Jupiter, FL 33458

Our podiatrists provide wound care in the area of Jupiter, FL. Call our office today at (561) 747-0331 if you are dealing with non-healing wounds & ulcers.

Wounds on the feet are a common occurrence in people who have diabetes. This is because those with diabetes also tend to have peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that can cause loss of sensation in the lower limbs, and poor blood circulation. Any small cut, scrape, or sore on diabetic feet may go unnoticed because of a lack of sensation, while poor blood flow to the area can mean that any injury will heal slowly, poorly, or not at all. Left undetected and untreated, even small wounds can become diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which can become infected and lead to serious medical complications, up to and including amputation in the worst-case scenarios. If you’re no longer experiencing feeling in your feet and a wound develops, it’s very possible it may go unnoticed if you don’t check your feet daily. Some foot wounds may be treated at home and others may require to be taken care by the doctor and a medical approach. In case of accidental wounds, especially accompanied with the bleeding for more than 20 minutes, you should seek immediate medical care.

Causes of Non-Healing Wounds and Ulcers

There are several stages of the foot ulcers development. All begins from the redness on the skin. With a time a shallow open wound can appear. If not treated properly the ulcer progress beneath the skin impacting the internal fat layer up until muscles, tendons or bones can be seen.

Usually non-healing ulcers are caused by circulatory problems or nerve damages, especially if a person has some chronical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or kidney disease.

Some factors that contribute to the formation of ulcers on the feet include wearing tightly fitted shoes, getting a pebble stuck in your shoe, or simply walking. What may appear to be just a small inconvenience such as a blister or callus can worsen over time, so it’s important to be safe and seek the attention of a professional. If you’ve developed a wound, it’s recommended that you try your best to keep the weight off of the area until you’re able to meet with a podiatrist.

Wounds should be taken care of immediately after discovery, as even the smallest of wounds can become infected if enough bacteria build up within the wound. To remove dirt, wounds should first be rinsed under running water only. Soap, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine can irritate the injury and should be avoided. To prevent infection, apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover it with a bandage. The bandage should be changed daily. The skin around the wound may be cleaned with soap.

Fortunately, there are steps that those with diabetes can take to care for their feet and prevent the formation of DFUs. People with diabetes should wear shoes and socks when walking to avoid foot injuries. The shoes should fit properly, cushion the feet, and have a low heel. When trimming the toenails, nail clippers should be used to cut the nails straight across and not too short. This helps prevent ingrown toenails, which can become infected and lead to DFUs. Finally, it is important to be vigilant of any potential foot problems by inspecting the feet daily for any irregularities, such as cuts, scrapes, sores, discoloration, swelling, pain, or any strange sensations like numbness, burning, or tingling.

To learn more about how to care for diabetic feet and prevent and treat foot wounds, please speak with a podiatrist for professional guidance and a suggested plan for treatment.