Wound Care

Blisters, calluses, and other small wounds on your toes and feet are common and can happen at any age. But leaving a minor foot wound untreated, especially if you’re diabetic or at high risk, could lead to complications down the road. Kaveh Panahi, DPM, at Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons, offers expert wound care for patients of all ages in Peoria and Phoenix, Arizona. If you’re looking to treat a current wound or if you’re diabetic and interested in learning more about preventive measures, call the friendly staff today or schedule an appointment online. 

When might I need wound care?

You may experience the formation of wounds on your feet due to wearing tightly fitted shoes, getting a pebble stuck in your shoe, or from simply walking a lot. 

What may appear to be a small inconvenience, like a blister or callus, can worsen over time. If you have a wound, it’s important to seek out professional care as soon as you can. 

Wound care is particularly important if you have diabetes. It’s common for diabetics to experience neuropathy — a type of nerve damage that affects your body and can cause you to lose feeling in your feet. 

If you’re feeling numbness in your feet and a wound develops, you may not notice it if you don’t visually inspect your feet daily. If you do have an ulcer or wound, reach out immediately, as untreated infections can lead to amputation of your foot or toes. Read More about Diabetic Wounds & Wound Care

What does wound care treat?

Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons treats several concerns, such as: 

• Blisters 
• Calluses 
• Foot and toe ulcers 
• Lacerations 
• Small cuts, scrapes, and scratches
• Puncture wounds 
• Various conditions causing foot wounds 

You’re at a higher risk for foot wounds if you’re diabetic, you have blood circulation issues, heart disease, you’re obese, or if you have a foot condition like a bunion or hammertoe. 

What can I expect from wound care? 

Dr. Panahi first performs a thorough physical exam and may order an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.

Treatments will depend on what’s causing your wound. If Dr. Panahi is treating just the minor wound itself, there are nonsurgical options. If you have a condition that’s causing continual blisters, ulcers, or issues, Dr. Panahi can discuss more extensive treatment. 

The overall goal is to heal your wound, alleviate pain, and prevent further complications.  

Nonsurgical treatments may include:

• Topical wound care
• Antibiotics
• Anti-clotting medications
• Compression bandages 
• Elevation of your foot and rest 
• Icing
• Draining
• Orthotics 
• Casts or braces 
• Crutches or a wheelchair 
• Stitches 

Surgical treatments may include:

• Debridement (the removal of infected tissue)
• Hammertoe repair
• Plantar exostectomy 
• Achilles tendon lengthening 
• Shaving or removing bones
• Removing scar tissue
• Reconstructive surgery 

To prevent wounds from developing, check your feet daily for any injuries, wash and dry your feet consistently, trim your toenails, and wear shoes that fit properly. 

To learn more about wound care, call Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons today, or schedule an appointment online.