Wound Care
Wound care in The Fan, VCU, Richmond, VA
A cut, blister or sore on the foot that won't heal can turn into a serious problem, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation. At Richmond Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates in Richmond, Virginia, podiatrists Weston Angermeier, DPM, and Rachel Hensley, DPM, treat foot wounds and help find the cause of slow healing. If you have diabetes, see our diabetic foot care page as well, and call our office today.
Quick facts about wound care
Foot wounds heal more slowly than wounds elsewhere because the feet carry your weight and are often in shoes.
People with diabetes, neuropathy or poor circulation have a higher risk of wounds that don't heal on their own.
Early treatment lowers the risk of infection and of a small wound becoming a deeper ulcer.
Wound Care questions and answers
What kinds of foot wounds do you treat?
We treat many kinds of wounds on the feet and ankles, including:
- Cuts, scrapes and puncture wounds
- Blisters and pressure sores from shoes
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Wounds that have stopped healing or keep reopening
- Wounds after an ingrown toenail or foreign body removal
When should a foot wound be checked by a podiatrist?
Call our office if a wound on your foot:
- Hasn't started to heal after a few days
- Is red, warm, swollen, draining or smells bad
- Is deep, or you can see tissue below the skin
- Is on a foot with numbness or poor circulation
If you have diabetes, any break in the skin of your feet is worth having checked.
What does wound care involve?
Your podiatrist examines the wound and looks for the reason it isn't healing, such as pressure, circulation problems or infection. Treatment may include:
- Cleaning and removing dead tissue (debridement)
- Dressings suited to the wound
- Padding, footwear changes or offloading to take pressure off the area
- Antibiotics when there are signs of infection
- Regular follow-up visits to track healing
How long does a foot wound take to heal?
It depends on the size and depth of the wound and on your overall health. Small wounds may heal in a couple of weeks. Ulcers in people with diabetes or poor circulation can take longer and need regular visits. Your podiatrist will explain what to expect for your wound. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.
Other conditions we treat
Ready to get back on your feet?
Call to book. Free parking in the Retreat Hospital garage.