Worrisome Wounds
What is an ulcer?
An ulcer is a wound that may form due to decreased circulation or lack of sensation within the feet compounded by shoe or ground pressure. There are four stages of ulcers encompassing four levels of severity.
- Stage 1: a reddening over boney areas that does not go away with the removal of pressure
- Stage 2: blisters, peeling, or cracked skin
- Stage 3: broken skin, sometimes with bloody drainage
- Stage 4: breaks in the skin involving muscle, tendon, and bone and may be associated with a bone infection called osteomyelitis
What causes an ulcer?
Different types of ulcers start from various causes:
- Loss of sensation in the feet causes neuropathic ulcers
- Poor blood flow causes an arterial ulcer
- Compromised veins cause venous ulcers
- Excessive prolonged pressure cause decubitus ulcers
What can your chiropodist do?
When you come in for an appointment with our Chiropodists, they will:
- Treat the infection by clearing away infected tissue and prescribing antibiotics
- Reduce the Pressure by offloading using bandages, padding, or orthotics
- And in some cases, use the Total Contact Casting system
What can you do?
Do you suspect you may have an ulcer or wound? Would you like to come in for regular foot checks and care to try to avoid a wound? Request an appointment today!
