Wound Care Specialists

Types of Wounds and Wound Care

Diabetic Foot Wounds (Ulcerations)

A wound, commonly referred to as an ulceration, is a break in the outer layer of the skin leaving the tissues underneath open. There are various reasons why ulcerations develop. One of the most common in the foot and ankle is complications from diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.

Regardless of the reason, it is critical to see a Foot and Ankle Specialist anytime you suspect that you have an open wound. Complications from ulcerations can be devastating and sometimes lead to infection of the soft tissue and bone.

Symptoms that you Could Monitor for Include:

• Calluses that may open
• Open wounds
• Increased redness
• Drainage
• Odor

Systemic Signs Such as:

1. Nausea
2. Fever
3. Vomiting
4. Chills.

Typical diagnosis includes X-rays and a thorough clinical evaluation. It is vital to not only evaluate the diabetic foot wound but also assess your complete medical history and any other confounding factors such as arterial or venous disease.

Our specialists are experts in wound care and will work diligently with you towards healing you ulcer. We understand that this is a difficult time, and we are here to help. Your health is our number one priority, so come see our specialists today for proper evaluation and treatment.

Non-Healing Wounds

Do you have a wound to your lower extremity that isn’t healing? If you have been dealing with a wound for a long period of time, it important to have a wound care specialist evaluate it. There are numerous reasons a wound may not heal and it is vital to have an assessment.

Potential Reasons why you are Experiencing a Non-healing Wound Include:

• Soft tissue or bone infection
• Foreign bodies
• Cancers of the skin
• The need for advanced wound care.

If left untreated, a non-healing wound could lead to serious consequences such as hospitalization, amputation or loss of life. Come see a Foot and Ankle Specialist today for proper evaluation and treatment of your condition.

Puncture Wounds

A puncture wound is a serious condition that can happen to your foot or ankle. This typically occurs when you step on an object and it breaks the skin to come in contact with the underlying tissues. An example of this is when you step on a nail or a seashell. In Florida, this is a common experience to have. It is extremely important to be checked by a Foot and Ankle Specialist to determine the extent of your injury within the first 24 hours. If left untreated, this can lead to soft tissue and even bone infection.

Common objects that patients step on include nails, seashells, needles, glass, toothpicks, and sewing needles. The environment that the object was in is also an important determinant. Any object that punctures or remains in your foot is considered dirty. It important to determine the severity of your injury and assess the puncture site for possible infection and residual foreign bodies.

If left untreated, a non-healing wound could lead to serious consequences such as:

• Hospitalization
• Amputation
• Or loss of life

Come see a Foot and Ankle Specialist today for proper evaluation and treatment of your condition.

Skin Cancer of the Foot and Ankle

As residents of the great sunshine state, we are more prone to developing cancers of the skin. While many of do not think about skin cancer on our lower extremities, it is certainly a problem we encounter infrequently.

The three most prominent cancers are:

• Melanoma
• BCC (Basal Cell Carcinoma)
• SCC (Squamous Cell Carcinoma)

If you notice a new discoloration on your skin, a bump, patch, or open sore that’s not healing, it’s important to see a Foot and Ankle Specialists for further evaluation and treatment.