Wound Care & Ulcer Management

Wounds on the feet and ankles are different from wounds on other parts of the body. Constant pressure from walking, combined with reduced circulation or nerve damage, makes healing more difficult. Without proper care, wounds can quickly progress to serious infections, bone involvement (osteomyelitis), or even amputation.

At Solevanna Foot & Ankle, we provide comprehensive wound care and ulcer management focused on early detection, advanced treatment, and prevention of complications. Our goal is to help you heal safely, protect your mobility, and reduce your risk of future foot problems.

Why Podiatrists Are Vital in Wound Care?

Podiatrists are uniquely trained in the anatomy, biomechanics, circulation, and skin health of the lower extremities. This expertise allows us to quickly identify the underlying causes of wounds, whether from diabetes, poor circulation, trauma, or infection and create personalized treatment plans that promote healing and protect long-term foot health.

Common Foot & Ankle Wounds We Treat

  • Diabetic foot ulcers – slow-healing wounds often linked to neuropathy and poor circulation

  • Pressure sores – wounds caused by prolonged pressure or friction

  • Traumatic injuries – cuts, puncture wounds, or crush injuries to the foot or ankle

  • Infected wounds – including abscesses, cellulitis, or wounds with pus drainage

  • Post-surgical wounds – complications or delayed healing after foot or ankle surgery

  • Burns and frostbite wounds – thermal injuries that affect skin and deeper tissues

  • Venous stasis ulcers – wounds caused by poor vein circulation in the legs and ankles

  • Arterial ulcers – painful wounds caused by restricted blood flow (PAD/PVD)

  • Neuropathic wounds – ulcers from unnoticed injuries due to nerve damage

  • Skin cracks and fissures – deep heel cracks or callus breakdown that become open sores.

At-Home Tips for Wound Prevention

  • Inspect your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or changes in skin color

  • Keep your feet clean and moisturized (avoid lotion between toes)

  • Never walk barefoot, even indoors

  • Wear supportive shoes that fit properly

  • Manage blood sugar and circulation with healthy lifestyle choices

When to Seek Immediate Care

❗️Increased redness, swelling, or warmth around the wound

❗️Drainage of pus or a foul odor coming from the wound

❗️Pain that worsens or does not improve with time

❗️A wound that hasn’t healed within 1–2 weeks

❗️Blackened skin or signs of gangrene

Our Approach to Wound Care Management

Dr. Doan provides specialized wound care management to prevent infection, speed healing, and lower the risk of complications such as ulcers, limb loss, or amputation.

COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT & DIAGNOSIS

We evaluate blood flow, nerve function, skin health, and biomechanics to determine why the wound developed and how to treat it effectively.

WOUND DEBRIDEMENT & CLEANING

Removing dead or infected tissue is often the first step toward healing. We use advanced techniques such as sharp, enzymatic, or mechanical debridement to prepare wounds for recovery.

ADVANCED DRESSING AND OFFLOADING

We apply specialized dressings, pressure-relieving shoes, or custom orthotics to protect the wound and encourage healing.

INFECTION CONTROL

If needed, we prescribe antibiotics or antifungal treatments, and use wound cultures to ensure the right therapy.

COLLABORATION WITH SPECIALISTS

When wounds are advanced or difficult to heal, we work closely with vascular surgeons, plastic surgeons, wound care nurses, infectious disease specialists, and primary care providers. This coordinated, team-based approach promotes healing, manages infection, and keeps you on the right track toward recovery

ADVANCED TREATMENT OPTIONS

  • Quick, minimally invasive, in-office procedures to relieve pressure from ulcers and help wounds close faster.

  • Bioengineered skin grafts to stimulate new tissue growth

  • Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) to draw infection and promote healing

  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy referrals for improved blood oxygenation

  • Surgical reconstruction when necessary to save limbs and restore function

Frequently Asked Questions About Wound Management

  • Foot wounds may fail to heal due to poor circulation, diabetes, neuropathy (nerve damage), poor nutrition status, infection, or repeated pressure on the same spot. These underlying issues slow the body’s natural healing process and often require podiatric care.

  • You should see a podiatrist right away if you have a foot or ankle wound that is not healing within 1–2 weeks, is painful, shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, foul odor), or if you have diabetes or poor circulation. Early treatment prevents complications.

  • Healing time depends on wound size, depth, circulation, and your overall health. Minor cuts may heal in a week, while diabetic ulcers or pressure wounds may take weeks to months. Regular podiatry visits help speed healing and prevent setbacks

  • An untreated foot wound can progress to serious infection, bone infection (osteomyelitis), gangrene, or even amputation. That’s why podiatrists emphasize early detection and proper management.

  • Yes. Up to 85% of diabetes-related amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer. With early detection, proper wound care, and ongoing monitoring by a podiatrist, most wounds can be healed and the risk of amputation significantly reduced.

  • Keep the wound clean and covered, avoid walking barefoot, wear supportive shoes, and check your feet daily for changes. Eating a balanced diet with enough protein also supports your body’s healing process. Always follow your podiatrist’s instructions and return for recommended follow-up visits.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor with any questions about your health.