There are many reasons why you may be suffering from foot and ankle wounds. There are several dermatologic foot and ankle disorders that can lead to open wounds or infections, including warts, ingrown toenails, athlete’s foot and more. Diabetes makes it harder for the body to properly and efficiently heal wounds, which can lead to foot ulcers, infections and, in very extreme cases, foot amputation. You may have undergone foot and ankle surgery and now have a post-surgical wound to care for.
Regardless of how the wound occurred, proper wound care is necessary for preventing infections and healing the wound in a timely manner before the issue worsens. Here are three wound care tips from our foot and ankle specialists at Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine and Sports Medicine.
1. Check your feet daily.
It is important to be familiar with your feet to know exactly how the wound is progressing. Because there are so many factors that contribute to infection, your wound could go from fine to infected in a matter of days. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of infection so that you can call your doctor the moment you notice something concerning. Your doctor will likely recommend that you keep the wound clean and dry. While you are cleaning the wound, go ahead and check your entire foot for any sign of infection.
2. Wear white socks.
The color of your socks may seem like a random and unnecessary tip, but it could reveal important information about the status of your wound. You will be quicker to notice blood or pus stains on white socks than black socks. This might indicate that your wound has reopened or is infected.
3. See a wound care specialist, and be consistent!
It is important to find a specialist you trust. There is only so much you can do for your wounds at home without the guidance of a specialist.
Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine & Sports Medicine’s Podiatry: Foot & Ankle Program features the most advanced and innovative modalities. Dr. Keller has been providing quality foot and ankle care to area Hampton Roads residents for over 25 years. As board certified physicians, Dr. Keller and Dr. Brassell believe each patient deserves to have the information needed to make good choices about their foot and ankle care.
Whatever your foot and ankle trouble, Dr. Keller and Dr. Brassell will work with you to find the answers that will comfort and bring you relief. Schedule an appointment today.
