Step-by-Step Guide to Wound Treatment

Knowing how to care for a foot wound can help prevent infections and severe complications, so Dr. Matthew Cerniglia and our Ankle and Foot Institute of Texas team in Fort Worth have created this guide to help you understand the different types of foot wounds, how to care for them at home, and when to seek our help.

Types of foot wounds

Whether you climb mountains, dance the night away, or just run errands in the city, your feet lead the way, and they often take the brunt of the resulting friction and stress. Here’s a look at the most common foot wounds.

Abrasions

Abrasions are superficial wounds caused by friction scraping away the top layer of skin, such as when you slip off a curb in your flip-flops and graze your foot against the asphalt.

Lacerations

Lacerations are deeper cuts that may bleed more heavily than abrasions. They can result from stepping on sharp objects, such as a piece of glass, or accidental injuries, like dropping a knife in the kitchen.

Puncture wounds

Puncture wounds occur when a sharp object pierces the skin. Nails sticking out of floorboards and lost sewing needles hiding in the carpet are common puncture culprits. These wounds can be deep and may not bleed much, but they’re prone to infection.

Ulcers

Ulcers are open sores that develop for several reasons. Pressure ulcers, like bedsores, result from prolonged pressure. Venous ulcers occur due to poor circulation. Arterial ulcers develop when you have poor blood flow to your feet.

Diabetic foot ulcers result from nerve damage and poor circulation. They’re challenging to heal and may become infected quickly.

Self-care for foot wounds: A step-by-step guide 

Not all foot wounds need a doctor. Here’s how to care for foot wounds at home.

Step 1: Clean the wound

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Rinse the wound with clean water to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can damage tissue and delay healing.

Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel.

Step 2: Apply an antiseptic

Use an antiseptic solution like iodine or an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.

Step 3: Cover the wound

Apply a sterile bandage or dressing to protect the wound from dirt and bacteria. Change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty.

Step 4: Watch for signs of infection

Check the wound daily for signs of infection, like increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, call Dr. Cerniglia immediately.

Step 5: Elevate your wounded foot when possible

Elevating your foot reduces swelling and promotes healing.

Special instructions for diabetic foot wound care

If you have diabetes, you need to take extra precautions when caring for foot wounds.

Inspect your feet daily 

Examine your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or abnormalities. If necessary, use a mirror to see the bottom of your feet.

Choose the right shoes 

Wear well-fitting shoes and avoid walking barefoot to prevent injuries. Also choose socks that keep your feet dry and avoid tight or restrictive footwear.

Control your blood sugar 

Controlling your blood sugar improves circulation and promotes faster wound healing.

Get regular check-ups

Schedule regular check-ups with Dr. Cerniglia to monitor your foot health, especially if you have a history of foot ulcers or other complications.

How we treat foot wounds

When self-care isn’t enough, Dr. Cerniglia provides specialized treatment for foot wounds. He may prescribe antibiotics to treat or prevent infection.

Debridement is the technique Dr. Cerniglia uses to remove dead or infected tissue from the wound manually or with specialized tools.

He may recommend offloading. Specialized footwear, casts, or other devices offload the pressure on the wound, which helps to prevent further injury and allows the wound to heal.

In severe cases, Dr. Cerniglia may perform a skin graft to cover the wound and promote healing. In this procedure, he transplants healthy skin from another part of your body to the wound site.

If you have concerns about a foot wound, don’t hesitate to call Ankle and Foot Institute of Texas or request an appointment online.