When a wound doesn’t heal properly, significant tissue damage often follows. At C&S Foot and Ankle in McKees Rock, Pennsylvania, Scott Norris, DPM, and Camille Christensen, DPM, offer advanced wound care services that help you recover from foot wounds and get back in the swing of your daily routines. Begin the process now by calling or scheduling a visit online.

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What is wound care?

A wound is any type of injury that breaches the surface of your skin. Everyone experiences occasional foot wounds, and many are nothing to be concerned about. However, some wounds require professional treatment to heal properly.

Some of the most common types of foot wounds include:

  • Diabetic foot wounds
  • Venous stasis ulcers
  • Plantar foot ulcers
  • Arterial ulcers

One of the most important steps in wound care is known as debridement. This simply means removing all tissue that is no longer viable or that threatens to complicate the healing process.

Surgical debridement uses a scalpel to cut away damaged tissue. Enzymatic debridement uses special enzymes to break down necrotic (dead) tissue.

Offloading is a technique that involves using special shoes, shoe inserts, braces, or boots to change the distribution of pressure on foot wounds. Once pressure is redirected, wounds have a better chance of healing.

Unna boot compression therapy helps treat venous ulcers. Four-layer compression bandaging creates sustained compression over time and is also helpful for venous ulcers.

Oral antibiotics are often used in conjunction with wound care treatments. This medication reduces the risk of infection.

When should I seek wound care treatment?

If you experience a minor foot wound, self-care may be all you need to move through the healing process. Clean and bandage the area, and use an antibacterial ointment to reduce the risk of infection. The wound should show signs of healing within a few days without worsening.

Deep or large wounds should be treated by a podiatrist. If you have diabetes, any type of foot wound needs professional assessment and treatment.

You should keep an eye out for signs of infection, including redness, pain, or pus. Don’t let a wound worsen when help is just a phone call away. Left untreated, foot wounds can quickly become a serious health issue with negative consequences including amputation.

What if I have advanced wound care needs?

The C&S Foot and Ankle team partners with the wound center at Heritage Valley WoundCare Kennedy for advanced treatment options. If your needs cannot be adequately met within the C&S Foot and Ankle office, your specialist performs treatment at this nearby facility.

Skin substitute grafting uses a thin layer of tissue or other material to help protect wounds and facilitate new skin development. Ultrasound debridement uses sound waves and vapor bubbles to remove damaged tissue and prompt your body’s healing response.

These are just some of the advanced tools and techniques that help you move beyond a serious wound. When you’re ready to learn more, call or book a visit online.