ULCERS & WOUND CARE

Wounds in the foot can form due to a variety of reasons. Trouble in healing can also occur depending on a patients health and co-existing systemic illnesses. At the Royal City Foot Clinic, we commonly see diabetic foot ulcers. These are the most commonly seen and treated ulcer, but there are a number of other wounds and ulcers we see as well. Ulcers can be a direct cause from trauma, venous insufficiency, arterial insufficiency, neuropathy (nerve insufficiency) or a combination of the above mentioned. An open wound or ulcer is always a concern because it can easily contract infection. The increased risk, in combination with a systemic problem (such as lack of blood flow) leaves the patient vulnerable. Wounds in an immune-compromised patient can take a long time to heal. In some cases if there is a lack of blood flow, healing may simply not be possible and amputation or in extreme cases loss of life can occur. 

TREATMENT

Specialists at the Royal City Foot Clinic, will be able to determine the cause of the ulcer or wound. They will then provide the necessary dressing changes and debridement of the necrotic or unviable tissue in the area. Pressure will be redistributed as required to avoid placing more stress on the wound. Often a multidisciplinary approach is used to heal wounds including a team effort from the Chiropodist, Family Doctor, Nurses, and Personal Support Workers. We always work alongside any other persons involved in a patient's treatment plan of a wound to make sure you are receiving the best, most comprehensive treatment. 

WITHOUT TREATMENT

The general health of the patient will determine how easily a wound on the foot will heal. Younger patients, like children, will heal quite quickly - however, if there is a delay in healing or you have any concerns we do recommend you see a Chiropodist/Foot Specialist. Any individual who is immunocompromised or suffers from decreased health will see a delay in healing. If left untreated, these wounds may not heal and will progressively worsen. The normal stages of healing are inflammatory, proliferative and maturation/remodeling; a wound that isn't healing may become stuck in any of these stages. Open wounds are entry ways for pathogens that cause infection. Once infected the wound becomes more difficult to heal. The infection needs to be cleared, and then the wound heals. Every patient should be checking their feet daily, and should look for wounds. If you have a wound, we highly recommend you get it addressed and treated immediately to prevent further damage or progression.