Healing Foot Ulcers Starts Here

Foot ulcers are among the most serious yet preventable foot problems we see in the clinic. A foot ulcer begins as a tiny break in the skin that refuses to heal because blood flow is poor or sensation is reduced, common in diabetes, vascular disease, and neuropathy. Foot ulcer care begins with understanding the causes of ulcers, including constant pressure points, shoes that rub, uncontrolled blood sugar levels, smoking, and small cuts that go unnoticed. Ulcers are graded in four stages:

• Stage 1 involves just the epidermis.
• Stage 2 reaches the dermis.
• Stage 3 exposes subcutaneous fat.
• Stage 4 may extend to the tendon, muscle or bone.

Prevention is powerful. Inspect your feet daily with a mirror to look for signs of redness, blisters, cracks, or drainage. Keep your nails trimmed straight and your skin moisturized, but keep your toes dry. Control blood glucose, stay active to boost circulation, avoid walking barefoot, and wear fitted shoes with cushioned insoles. If you already have reduced feeling, schedule routine assessments with your chiropodist—trained eyes can catch changes you miss. 🔍👀

When an ulcer appears, prompt, evidence‑based treatment is critical. At Werkman, Boven & Associates we begin with a full wound evaluation, then gently debride non‑viable tissue, apply topical antibiotics and a moisture‑balancing dressing, and off‑load the area using padding, custom orthotics, or specialised footwear. For deeper or diabetic ulcers, we often employ Total Contact Casting or an offloading boot, a well-padded cast that redistributes weight evenly, allowing the wound to close without pressure. Other options include air casts and felted foam, which achieve similar weight redistribution while allowing for daily dressing changes.

Healing times vary, but follow‑up matters as much as the initial visit. Scar tissue is fragile and prone to reopening, so ongoing surveillance, footwear review, and management remain essential. Schedule regular check‑ups so we can adjust your plan as your feet and your life change.

If you notice a sore that isn't healing after 48 hours, please call our Oakville clinic right away. Early professional foot ulcer care is the difference between a swift recovery and a wound that threatens your mobility or your health.

Remember: proactive foot ulcer care keeps you confidently on your feet.