When do I need wound care?
The podiatry team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, recommends you schedule a wound evaluation if a cut, puncture, tear, or other wound is taking longer than usual to heal, or it’s getting bigger or deeper rather than shrinking.
If you don't generally heal well because of a vein disorder, diabetes, or another condition, see the team whenever you develop a new wound of any kind. You may need preventive care now to avoid serious damage later.
How serious is a foot ulcer?
A foot ulcer — an open wound that's not healing properly — can be very serious.
From least to most severe, the classification system for non-healing ulcers includes:
Grade 0
Grade 0 means you have a pre-ulcerative lesion but no open wound yet.
Grade 1
A grade 1 ulcer occurs when you develop an open wound. It may be either partial or full in thickness.
Grade 2
A grade 2 ulcer occurs when your ulcer expands inward, moving to a tendon or joint.
Grade 3
A grade 3 ulcer is a still-deeper ulcer that includes bone inflammation or infection.
Grade 4
A grade 4 ulcer includes gangrene (tissue death) in at least part of the wound or its surrounding tissue.
Grade 5
Grade 5 occurs when you have gangrene throughout the entire foot.
All grades of ulcer require treatment. The earlier that you get wound care, the less extensive care you'll need.
How does the wound care process work?
At Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, you get all-encompassing wound care treatments based upon your individual needs.
Topical dressings
For low-grade wounds, you may need only ointments, creams, and other topical treatments. The team can dress your wound regularly as required.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
If you have a mid- or high-grade ulcer, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be an excellent option. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy gives you an infusion of 100% pure oxygen in a sterile, pressurized chamber. This therapy dramatically increases the oxygen to your wound and speeds up the healing process.
Wound debridement
If you have a grade 4 or 5 ulcer, your podiatric surgeon typically removes the dead tissue during debridement. Removing the dead tissue can improve your healing process, especially in combination with other treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Wound care can restore your health and accelerate your healing, but it works best when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Book your appointment with the wound care team by calling Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, or schedule online.
