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ServicesWound Care

Wound care.

What is Podiatric Wound Care?

Podiatrists are often the unsung heroes of wound care. In many cases, the presence of a stubborn foot or ankle wound is evidence of a larger problem. A surgical incision that refuses to heal due to poor circulation may hint at arterial disease, which could lead to a heart attack if left untreated. A diabetic ulcer, if not caught early on and treated properly, can lead to a life-threatening infection or amputation of the limb.

Podiatric wound care spots conditions like these early on and stops them in their tracks. It combines knowledge of vascular, dermatologic, orthopedic, and neurologic medicine to identify the root cause of the wound, provide proper treatment, and avoid future recurrences. After healing the wound itself, prevention is our goal. We don’t just look out for your immediate health — we have your long-term health in mind, too. 

Common Conditions

A healthy body is designed to heal from even large or severe wounds. Still, it’s important to seek medical care for these injuries as they typically provide a higher risk for infection. It’s especially important to do this for podiatric wounds. Lower extremities receive less blood flow than other areas of the body, and may heal more slowly as a result. Foot and ankle wounds are also more prone to infection than other wounds because of their proximity to dirt and debris from the ground. Here are some foot and ankle wounds that we often treat:

Diabetic Wounds or Ulcers

Diabetic ulcers are usually the combined result of poor circulation and neuropathy, and are responsible for more than 60% of lower extremity amputations. 

Burns

Approximately 5% of scald injuries reported annually are scalds to the lower extremities. Most lower extremity burns occur on the ankles of the top of the foot, where the skin is thinner and the tendons are much closer to the surface.

Lacerations

Skin lacerations on the foot or ankle are prone to infection if contaminated with debris. These wounds also place tendons and ligaments at risk, as they are closer to the skin in these areas.

Postoperative Infections

A surgical incision on your foot or ankle that becomes infected always warrants a follow-up visit. Infected incisions are often painful, and become more painful in the days following a procedure. They may also become red, feel warm to the touch, and leak pus or unusual fluid. 

Dr Jokhai Concierge Comfort

Seek podiatric wound care immediately

If you have a wound on your foot or ankle that will not heal properly or has become infected, it is critical that you seek medical attention immediately. Make an appointment with Foot & Ankle Center right away.