Wound Care
If you have wounds on your feet or ankles that require medical treatment, the expert most qualified to care for your wounds is a podiatrist. Podiatrists are concerned with the overall functioning and health of your feet, and they work to heal your wounds while considering the impact on the various structures in your feet.
For wound care services with experts, schedule an appointment at a Starrett Podiatry clinic today in one of six locations: East Harlem and West Harlem in New York City; Brooklyn, New York; and Mott Haven and Belmont in Bronx, New York.
What causes foot wounds?
Foot wounds can result from trauma, lacerations (cuts), burns, or recent surgical procedures.
Can I perform wound care at home?
You can and must perform some aspects of wound care at home. Your podiatrist will provide you with instructions for caring for doing so, which may include keeping the wound clean and dry, performing daily or twice daily foot soaks, and dressing the wound after bathing.
Additionally, you may be required to follow certain restrictions while your wound heals. Following your doctor’s orders while you have an open wound is critical to ensure complete and expediting healing.
Do I need to involve a podiatrist in my care?
Foot wounds are often very complex and require close medical monitoring and interventions to fully heal, especially in patients who are immunocompromised or diabetic.
Many of the treatment methods used to heal complex wounds require state-of-the-art technology and specialized knowledge. Additionally, it can be hard to examine and care for certain parts of your foot yourself due to their location.
How are foot wounds treated?
Your podiatrist will work to prevent infection, keep the wound as clean as possible, and promote blood flow to the area to improve your body’s healing power. That might require surgical debridement, natural remedies, oral antibiotics, prescription dressings, irrigation, and more.
How long will it take my wound to heal?
Wounds can take anywhere from a few days to several months or longer to heal. The length of time you can expect to wait for your wound to heal depends on several factors, such as being in good overall health, taking a multivitamin, and following your doctor’s recommendations for home care and restrictions.
Your wound may take longer to heal if you smoke cigarettes, are in poor health, are immunocompromised, have diabetes, or fail to follow the recommendations of your podiatrist for home care. Your podiatrist’s goal is to expedite the healing process so you can get back to your everyday life.
What complications can occur from an untreated wound?
Your feet are constantly exposed to moisture and bacteria and therefore are at high risk of infection when you have an open wound. Cellulitis, gangrene, and amputations can result if wounds aren’t well-attended by a podiatrist.