Serving Utah Valley
Specialized Foot Wound and Ulcer Care in Orem
Foot wounds and ulcers are open sores or breaks in the skin that, if left untreated or improperly managed, can lead to serious complications, especially for individuals with diabetes or poor circulation. At Hoyal Podiatry in Orem, UT, we specialize in comprehensive wound care to promote fast, effective healing and prevent infection or amputation.
When to Seek Care: Symptoms of a Foot Ulcer
Foot ulcers often develop on the bottom of the foot or the side of the big toe and may not initially be painful, particularly if you have nerve damage (neuropathy). It’s crucial to check your feet daily for these symptoms:
Drainage on your sock: Any liquid discharge, particularly blood or pus, that stains your sock or leaks from the wound.
Redness or swelling: Increased inflammation around a specific area of the foot.
Unusual odor: A foul smell coming from the wound, often indicating an infection.
Blackened tissue (eschar): The presence of dead, dark tissue around the sore, which is a sign of poor circulation or severe infection.
Fever or chills: These are signs that the infection may be spreading.
A shallow red crater or a deep sore that exposes tendons or bone.
Comprehensive Foot Ulcer and Wound Treatments
Our podiatry team focuses on a multi-faceted approach to wound healing and patient education. Treatment for non-healing foot wounds and ulcers typically involves:
1. Infection Management
- Antibiotics: Prescribing oral or topical antibiotics to clear any active infection.
- Debridement: Safely and meticulously removing any dead or infected tissue from the wound to promote healing.
2. Offloading (Pressure Relief)
- Specialized Footwear: Recommending offloading devices, custom boots, or specialized footwear to take all pressure off the ulcer site while you walk.
- Padding and Bracing: Using casts, splints, or customized padding to relieve pressure and allow the wound to close.
3. Advanced Wound Dressings
- Regular Cleaning and Dressing Changes: Applying specialized dressings and bandages that create a moist, protected environment ideal for rapid healing.
- Biologic Agents: Utilizing advanced wound care products, sometimes including skin grafts or tissue regeneration materials, to accelerate closure of chronic wounds.
4. Circulation and Diabetes Control
- Blood Sugar Management: For diabetic patients, working in conjunction with your primary care team to ensure blood sugar levels are tightly controlled, which is essential for wound closure.
- Vascular Assessment: Assessing the circulation in your feet to ensure adequate blood flow is reaching the wound for healing.
If you have a persistent sore or open wound on your foot, especially if you have diabetes, do not delay care. Contact Hoyal Podiatry in Orem, UT, to schedule an urgent evaluation. Early, specialized wound care is the most critical factor in preventing complications.