What are foot and leg ulcers?
Foot and leg ulcers are wounds or open sores that don’t heal and return. While anyone can develop leg and foot ulcers, they’re the most common in people who have chronic health conditions like chronic venous insufficiency and diabetes.
Without medical intervention, leg and foot ulcers can become infected or lead to even more serious complications.
What are the different types of wound care?
At Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Institute, Dr. Sibel offers several wound care treatments, including:
Diabetic foot ulcer treatment
Diabetic foot ulcers typically occur on the bottom of the feet. They may also develop on your lower leg or ankle due to injuries. Diabetic foot ulcers typically appear pink, red, or brown. They’re also associated with neuropathy (permanent nerve damage). If you have diabetes, you must physically inspect your feet every day, once in the morning and once at night.
Chronic venous insufficiency treatment
If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, you may develop a venous stasis ulcer. These ulcers usually occur on the inner part of the leg, just above the ankle. They’re typically red with green or yellow discharge. You’re more likely to have this type of ulcer if you have a history of blood clots, poor circulation, or varicose veins.
How are ulcers and wounds diagnosed?
To diagnose ulcers and wounds caused by chronic venous insufficiency or diabetes, Dr. Sibel performs a physical exam and a detailed medical history report. He also examines each ulcer thoroughly and does noninvasive vascular tests to create a personalized treatment plan.
What is involved in wound care?
Wound care depends on the severity and size of your wounds, as well as your symptoms. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, speed up recovery, and lower your risk of developing an infection.
Dr. Sibel at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Institute might recommend:
- Prescription antibiotics
- Topical wound care therapies
- Compression garments
- Custom orthotics
If you’re at risk of developing blood clots, Dr. Sibel might also recommend antiplatelet or anti-clotting medications.
To learn more about your wound care treatments, make an appointment at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Institute today by calling the office or using the online booking tool.
