Wound Care Q & A

What is wound care?

Wound care diagnoses, treats, and prevents leg and foot ulcers. Though anyone with a slow-healing ulcer can benefit from wound care, it’s particularly beneficial for people with diabetes and other chronic medical conditions that affect their circulation.

What are some common causes of leg and foot wounds?

At Long Lake Podiatry, P.C., Dr. Berlin uses wound care to treat foot and leg ulcers caused by:

  • Poor circulation
  • Venous insufficiency
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Inflammatory diseases
  • High cholesterol
  • Heart disease

You might also benefit from wound care if you cut your leg or foot and the injury becomes infected.

What types of wounds does wound care treat?

At Long Lake Podiatry, P.C., Dr. Berlin uses wound care to treat various wounds, including:

Venous stasis ulcers

Venous stasis ulcers are wounds that form just below the knee. They’re red or yellow and irregularly shaped. This type of wound is particularly common in people with a history of varicose veins and blood clots.

Diabetic ulcers

Diabetic ulcers form on the bottom of the feet. They occur when diabetes is left untreated, allowing your blood sugar levels to spike. If you have diabetes, it’s important to inspect your feet and toes daily.

Arterial ulcers

Arterial ulcers form on the heels or the tips of the toes. They are brown, black, or grey and occur due to poor circulation. You can reduce the risk of an arterial ulcer by wearing compression stockings and keeping your feet up when resting.

How does a wound care appointment begin?

At Long Lake Podiatry, P.C., a wound care appointment begins with a review of your medical history and a physical exam. Dr. Berlin also asks about your symptoms, including their severity and when they first started. After determining the type of wounds you have, he develops a custom care plan.

What does wound care involve?

At Long Lake Podiatry, P.C., Dr. Berlin uses wound care to relieve pain, speed up your body’s recovery process, and improve your quality of life. Following an exam, Dr. Berlin might recommend:

  • Antibiotics 
  • Antiplatelet or anti-clotting medication
  • Topical wound care therapy
  • Compression garments
  • Alginate dressings
  • Antimicrobial dressings
  • Debriding agents
  • Collagen wound dressings

To learn more about the benefits of wound care, make an appointment at Long Lake Podiatry, P.C. by calling the nearest office or clicking the online scheduling feature today.