Foot Wounds

We often think of a foot wound as a major unhealing sore, but foot wounds range from simple cuts and blisters to foot ulcers and damaged tissue. Wounds can occur from ill-fitting footwear, punctures (think stepping on a nail), accidents, and falls, as well as injuries from athletic competition or chronic health conditions. Minor wounds like a blister or small cut can most likely be handled at home. But if wounds are larger or if a small wound won’t heal, becomes infected or painful, or if you have diabetes, you should have a podiatrist assess and treat the wound to avoid complications or further damage.

If you have a small cut or blister, just gently clean the area to prevent infection and cover it with a bandage. Don’t pop a blister! If it pops on its own, apply a bit of petroleum jelly to keep it moist then cover it with a bandage. And always monitor for infection. If it doesn’t appear to be healing – within 6 to 10 days – then there could be a complication. Cuts on the feet, toes, or ankles can sometimes be deeper than we think and could affect tendons, blood vessels, or nerves that need more advanced care. Of course, any wound that is very large or deep, has a gaping opening or jagged edges, looks like it is cut down to muscle tissue or bone, won’t stop bleeding, is embedded with dirt, or is the result of an animal bite or puncture by a dirty object, will require immediate medical attention.

Some common foot wounds include:

• Minor cuts, scrapes and blisters.
• Punctures or trauma wounds caused by a sharp object or rough surface.
• Diabetic ulcers, which are triggered by diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy).
• Arterial ulcers from narrowing arteries that cause poor circulation.
• Venous ulcers that are caused by impaired venial blood flow, varicose veins, or deep vein thrombosis.
• Pressure ulcers which are often the result of impaired mobility and prolonged pressure on the heels, ankles or balls of the feet.
• Post-Surgical wounds that develop an infection or fail to heal properly after surgery.

No matter the wound, it requires daily monitoring, especially if your managing diabetes or another chronic condition.

If your wound is large, not healing or appears to be infected – warm to the touch, has redness, excessive swelling, increased pain, discharge, causes a fever, or has a foul odor – seek immediate medical attention. Your podiatrist will assess the injury, clean the wound, and determine the most effective treatment to promote healing and prevent further damage.