Foot And Ankle Wounds Specialist

What causes foot and ankle wounds?

Most foot and ankle wounds develop as a result of an underlying medical condition such as diabetes or chronic venous insufficiency. Other common causes of foot and ankle wounds include: 

• Poor circulation
• Kidney disease
• High blood pressure
• Inflammatory diseases such as lupus
• Lymphedema
• Infections

You might also develop foot and ankle wounds if you smoke cigarettes regularly or take certain prescription medications. 

What are the symptoms of foot and ankle wounds?

The symptoms of foot and ankle wounds vary from person to person and depend on their location and severity. Sometimes, foot and ankle wounds don’t present any symptoms at all. Other times, they cause swelling, burning, and itching sensations. As foot and ankle wounds grow or spread, you might also experience skin discoloration, a rash, redness, or dry, scaly skin. 

How are foot and ankle wounds diagnosed?

To diagnose foot and ankle wounds, your North Central Texas Foot & Ankle provider reviews your medical history, asks questions about your symptoms, and does a physical exam. After examining your wound thoroughly, your podiatrist might also recommend diagnostic imaging such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. Your podiatrist might also recommend noninvasive vascular studies to assist in developing your treatment plan.

How are foot and ankle wounds treated?

Treatment for foot and ankle wounds depends on their severity and the symptoms you’re experiencing. The goal of the team at North Central Texas Foot & Ankle is to limit pain, speed up your recovery process, and heal your wounds. That said, the treatment of foot and ankle wounds always begins with a thorough cleaning and debridement. Depending on your health history, your doctor might recommend:

• Antibiotics if an infection is present
• Compression garments
• Custom orthotics
• Custom skin care products
• Topical wound care therapies

The podiatrists at North Central Texas Foot & Ankle also have wound care certification through the American Board of Wound Management (ABWM) and experience using hyperbaric oxygen therapy. 

Is there any way to prevent foot and ankle wounds?

There’s no way to prevent foot and ankle wounds entirely, but you can significantly lower your risk. The team at North Central Texas Foot & Ankle recommends eating a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole-grains, drinking plenty of water throughout the day, exercising regularly, and wearing comfortable well-fitting footwear. If you have diabetes, it’s also important you manage your blood sugar levels and participate in routine diabetic exams to assess your health.

If you’re concerned about your risk of developing foot and ankle wounds, take preventive action and schedule an appointment at North Central Texas Foot & Ankle today––call the office nearest you or click the online booking tool. If you have a wound, don’t hesitate to make an appointment now.