Foot and Ankle Ulcers Wound Care

Understanding Foot and Ankle Ulcers

Learn how ulcers form, why they are serious, and how prompt care protects your feet.

Wound Care and Limb Preservation

Pressure ulcers are sores that occur when pressure cuts off the blood supply to the skin. Stress caused by the body’s weight and the impact of striking the ground place the ball of the foot, the big toe, and the heel at the greatest risk. Left untreated, an ulcer may allow infection to enter your body. If infection reaches the bloodstream or bone, your life or limb may be at risk. But with your doctor’s help, your health can be protected.

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that appears on the bottom of the foot and may lead to amputation if not treated quickly. Two complications from diabetes contribute to foot ulcers: neuropathy, or nerve damage, reduces sensation so a small cut, bruise, or puncture wound may not be noticed and can worsen into a sore. Poor circulation caused by excess blood sugar can also inhibit healing blood flow to the feet.

Force or friction against the bottom of your foot causes the skin to thicken, forming a callus. If the skin keeps thickening, the callus presses up into the foot, killing healthy tissue. You may not notice the pain if you have neuropathy. As healthy skin dies, an ulcer forms, and ulcers may progress from hot spots to infected wounds very quickly.

Pain is not a common symptom, but you may notice an open sore, drainage on socks, redness, swelling, or an unpleasant odor. If bacteria enter the ulcer, discharge may be white, yellow, or greenish. It is essential to seek out a podiatrist’s help immediately if you notice an ulcer so treatment can begin.

Treating and Preventing Foot and Ankle Ulcers

Our goal is healing the ulcer as soon as possible to reduce the chance of an infection. To do this, we will take pressure off the area, remove dead skin and tissue, and apply medication and dressing. Thickened skin around the ulcer may be cleaned away, and medicated ointment or cream may be applied to prevent infection. Wound management includes keeping the area covered and moist.

To take pressure off hot spots and ulcers, your doctor may prescribe orthoses, custom-made shoe inserts that absorb or divert pressure from problem areas. Using a brace or specialized castings, wearing special footgear, or using crutches or a wheelchair can also help reduce pressure and irritation. To control or prevent infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Take them all, and take them as directed, or the infection may come back.

Surgery may be needed if infection enters deep tissues or bone. In such cases, your doctor cleans away the infection while removing as little tissue or bone as possible. You may also be given intravenous antibiotics to fight the infection. Complete healing of an ulcer in a patient with diabetes may take weeks or even several months.

Preventing an ulcer from developing is its best treatment. Visit your podiatrist regularly for comprehensive foot exams, and check your feet every day, especially the soles and between the toes. Keep blood sugar levels under control, wear supportive and roomy shoes, and reduce risk factors such as smoking and high cholesterol. With daily care and regular checkups, our team can help you protect your feet for the long term.