Foot Wound & Ulcer Care in Pembroke Pines & Plantation
Ulcers and wounds on the foot do not always cause pain, but they are serious conditions that should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Signs can include drainage, an open sore, or red, inflamed tissue. At Daniel Bell, DPM - Foot & Ankle Institute, Daniel Bell, DPM provides expert wound care to help foot ulcers heal, prevent infection, and protect your long-term mobility.
Why Foot Wounds Need Professional Care
The feet are especially vulnerable to slow-healing wounds because they bear your full body weight, are often enclosed in shoes, and may have reduced circulation. A small blister or cut that would heal quickly elsewhere can become an ulcer on the foot, particularly in people with diabetes or poor blood flow. Without proper treatment, foot ulcers can become infected, reach deeper tissue or bone, and in severe cases lead to hospitalization or amputation.
Common Types of Foot Wounds
- Diabetic foot ulcers: Often on the bottom of the foot, caused by pressure combined with nerve damage. Our diabetic foot care program focuses on preventing these.
- Pressure ulcers: Develop over bony areas from repeated pressure, including spots affected by bunions, hammertoes, corns, and calluses.
- Venous and arterial ulcers: Related to circulation problems in the legs and feet.
- Post-surgical and traumatic wounds: Cuts, punctures, and incisions that are slow to heal.
- Infected ingrown toenails: Can develop into open, draining wounds.
How We Evaluate a Foot Wound
To properly diagnose the wound and develop a treatment plan, Dr. Bell examines the wound’s size, depth, and appearance, checks circulation and sensation in your feet, and looks for signs of infection. X-rays or other studies may be ordered to rule out bone involvement.
Wound Care Treatments
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the wound and may include:
- Debridement to remove dead or unhealthy tissue
- Specialized dressings that promote healing
- Offloading with padding, boots, or custom orthotics to relieve pressure
- Antibiotics for infection
- Management of underlying conditions such as diabetes and circulation problems
- Correction of deformities through surgical correction when pressure points keep causing wounds
Preventing Future Wounds
Check your feet daily, keep them clean and moisturized (but not between the toes), wear well-fitting shoes, and never walk barefoot if you have reduced sensation. Older adults benefit from regular geriatric foot care. Explore all podiatry services or our conditions treated.
Wound Care FAQs
When should I see a doctor for a foot wound?
See a podiatrist if a foot wound has not started healing within a few days, shows drainage or redness, or if you have diabetes or circulation problems.
Why won’t my foot wound heal?
Poor circulation, diabetes, ongoing pressure on the wound, and infection are common reasons foot wounds heal slowly.
What is debridement?
Debridement is the removal of dead or unhealthy tissue from a wound, which helps healthy tissue grow and lowers the risk of infection.
Can a foot ulcer heal on its own?
Foot ulcers rarely heal properly without treatment, especially in people with diabetes. Professional care greatly improves healing.
Are foot ulcers painful?
Not always. People with nerve damage may feel little or no pain, which is why daily foot checks are so important.
How can I tell if a foot wound is infected?
Warning signs include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, odor, and fever. Seek care promptly if you notice these signs.
How do I prevent foot ulcers?
Inspect your feet daily, wear protective, well-fitting shoes, manage blood sugar if you have diabetes, and have pressure areas treated early.
Get Expert Care for a Slow-Healing Wound
Early treatment makes all the difference. Call (954) 942-5005 - Pembroke Pines Office or (954) 942-5005 - Plantation Office or request an appointment online to have your wound evaluated by Dr. Bell.