Ulcers & Diabetic Wounds
Experience Next-Level Foot Wound Care
Ulcers, which are open sores in the skin, occur when the outer layers of the skin are injured and the deeper tissues become exposed.
They can be caused by excess pressure due to ill-fitting shoes, long periods in bed, or after an injury that breaks the skin. Ulcers are commonly seen in patients who have diabetes, neuropathy or vascular disease. Open wounds can put patients at increased risk of developing infection in the skin and bone.
The signs and symptoms of ulcers may include drainage, odor, or red, inflamed, thickened tissue. Pain may or may not be present. Diagnosis may include x-rays to evaluate possible bone involvement. Other advanced imaging studies may also be ordered to evaluate for vascular disease, which may affect a patient’s ability to heal the wound.
Ulcers are treated by removing the unhealthy tissue and performing local wound care to assist in healing. Special shoes or padding may be used to remove excess pressure on the area. If infection is present, antibiotics will be necessary.
In severe cases that involve extensive infection or are slow to heal, surgery or other advanced wound care treatments may be necessary.
Diabetic Limb Salvage
Here at Affiliated Foot and Ankle Surgeons, we specialize in providing our diabetic patients with limb salving procedures and treatment options that can prevent amputation due to complications such as diabetic ulcers.
Our Foot Doctors also work with our patients to create a customized treatment plan that won’t just protect the health of their limbs but also functionality and mobility, while reducing the risk for complications in the future.
Limb salvage surgery requires our team to remove damaged bone and diseased tissue from the limb without having to remove the limb entirely. This conservative procedure allows us to remove diseased and damaged tissue and bone and then rebuild tissue and bone through artificial replacement parts and bone grafting techniques.
Those with severe foot complications due to diabetes could benefit from limb salvage and may want to speak with Affiliated Foot and Ankle Surgeons about whether a limb salvage would be a better option for them when it comes to treating ulcers and other wounds caused by uncontrolled diabetes.