Foot Wound

Foot wounds begin at the top of your skin and go progressively deeper, damaging tissues below the surface and creating a wound that looks like a sunken crater. If you have a hole in your foot, it’s crucial to seek immediate care from skilled wound care specialist and foot surgeon Thomas Rambacher, DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA, at Foot Ankle Leg Wound Care Orange County in Mission Viejo, California. Dr. Rambacher uses his wound care expertise to save your foot and leg. Call the office right away or request an appointment online at the first sign of a foot wound.

What type of foot wound is a pressure sore?

Though there are many possible causes of a foot wound, pressure sores most often require wound care because they don’t heal on their own.

A pressure sore develops when excessive force is placed on a specific area of your skin for an extended period of time. The ongoing pressure stops blood from reaching your skin, resulting in tissue death and a pressure sore. 

Pressure sores often occur in the heel or the ball of your foot (where your foot hits the ground). However, they also appear in places where your shoes are too tight or calluses develop. Foot deformities like bunions also increase your risk.

Any problem that puts extra pressure on your foot has the potential to cause a pressure wound.

How do I know I have a foot wound?

Pressure wounds go through four stages if they’re not treated:

Stage 1

The first sign you notice is a reddened patch of skin or an area resembling a bruise. The discoloration doesn’t go away, and the area may feel itchy or cause a burning sensation.

Stage 2

The discolored skin turns into a shallow, open sore (ulcer) that may be tender to the touch.

Stage 3

The ulcer deepens as the skin and tissues under the surface keep breaking down, making the wound take on the appearance of a crater or hole. At this stage, the wound is painful.

If you have nerve damage caused by high blood sugar (diabetic neuropathy), you may not feel the itching, burning, tenderness, or pain.

Stage 4

The enlarging wound damages muscles and bones below the skin’s surface. At this stage, you may develop a skin or bone infection (osteomyelitis), which can become life-threatening if the infection spreads to your bloodstream. Without treatment, infections may lead to an amputation.

How are foot wounds treated?

Early treatment from Dr. Rambacher stops your wound from progressing to an advanced stage. After cleaning the wound and applying a dressing, he may relieve the pressure with customized orthotics or a specialized cast.

Advanced foot wounds often require more advanced procedures. Dr. Rambacher may debride the wound (a deep cleaning to get rid of bacteria, dead tissues, and infection), prescribe antibiotics, or recommend treatments like skin grafting. 

Don’t wait to get help for a foot wound. Call Foot Ankle Leg Wound Care Orange County today or use online booking to request a foot ulcer evaluation.