If you have peripheral neuropathy or circulatory problems, you’re also at an increased risk of developing foot ulcers. Left untreated, foot ulcers can become infected, requiring surgical intervention and even amputation. The licensed foot and ankle specialists at Precision Podiatry with three locations in the Round Rock, Cedar Park, and the River Place neighborhoods of Austin, Texas, specialize in diagnosing and treating foot ulcers. To request your appointment today, call the office nearest you.
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Foot Ulcers Q & A
What are foot ulcers?
A foot ulcer is an open wound or sore that develops on your foot. Foot ulcers come in all shapes and sizes; some are deep and extend through all the layers of your skin, while others are shallow and heal rather quickly
Foot ulcers affect people of all ages and backgrounds, but they’re especially common in those with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. If an infection develops in an ulcer, and you don’t seek medical treatment right away, it can lead to:
- An abscess
- An infection of your skin and underlying fat
- A bone infection
- Gangrene
If you’re concerned about your risk of developing a foot ulcer, make an appointment with the team at Precision Podiatry right away.
What are the symptoms of foot ulcers?
Foot ulcers look like a red crater on the surface of your skin. They’re usually located on the bottom or side of your foot or on the tip or top of a toe. You might also notice cracking or calloused skin surrounding the ulcer. As your ulcer gets bigger, you might also experience:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- A sensation of warmth
If you have an infected foot ulcer, you might also experience drainage or pus, and a foul odor emanating from the wound itself.
How are foot ulcers diagnosed?
To diagnose a foot ulcer, your Precision Podiatry provider physically examines your foot. If you have diabetes, your provider also checks your blood sugar levels. After gathering this information, your provider evaluates your ulcer to determine:
- How deep the ulcer is
- If there’s an infection
- If you have any foot abnormalities that might interfere with treatment
Your doctor might also ask you to stand up and walk around the exam room to observe your gait and posture. If you have an unusual gait, it may cause abnormal pressure on different spots in your feet, increasing your risk of ulcers.
Usually, these measures are enough to pinpoint the source of your discomfort. However, if necessary, your Precision Podiatry provider can also order X-rays, blood tests, or a bone scan.
How are foot ulcers treated?
Treatment for foot ulcers depends on the size and severity of your ulcer. The team at Precision Podiatry usually recommends debridement, a process that involves your doctor trimming away infected or diseased tissue.
Following debridement, your doctor wraps your foot in a dressing and has you wear special footwear. You return to Precision Podiatry for frequent follow-ups so your doctor can monitor your progress. Once your ulcer heals, your doctor might prescribe custom orthotics.
If your foot ulcer gets worse or doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Don’t let foot ulcers prevent you from living a mobile, active lifestyle. Call the Precision Podiatry office nearest you today.