Wound Care Specialist

What is wound care?

Wound care treats and prevents cuts, lacerations, punctures, and abrasions. It uses a variety of treatments, including topical ointments, bandages, and synthetic tissue substitutes to encourage healing and lower the risk of infection or gangrene.

What are some of the issues that wound care treats?

Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist uses wound care to treat various issues, including:

Abrasions

Abrasions develop when your skin scrapes against a hard surface like concrete or pavement. These wounds don’t trigger much bleeding, but they often collect dirt and debris, increasing the risk of infection.

Lacerations

Lacerations are a type of wound that causes your skin to separate, forming a visible gash. They vary in severity and can be mild or deep. Common causes of lacerations include slip and fall accidents or running into a sharp object with bare feet. 

Punctures

A puncture wound occurs if you step down on a sharp object like a nail, carpet tack, or screw. These wounds require immediate treatment because they often become infected.

Avulsions

Avulsions are wounds that cause your skin to tear away from the tissue underneath. These types of wounds rarely affect the feet, but when they do, are usually due to a car accident or crush injury.

When should I visit a podiatrist for wound care?

Most minor wounds respond to at-home treatments like topical ointments and bandages. Make an appointment at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist if: 

• The wound is deep
• Bleeding doesn’t stop after applying direct pressure
• Bleeding lasts longer than 20 minutes
• Bleeding is due to a serious accident

You should also seek professional medical help if the wound interferes with your ability to stand or walk.

What does wound care involve?

The type of wound care that will most benefit you depends on the severity of the wound and the underlying cause.

Following a comprehensive exam and a discussion of your symptoms, Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist can make recommendations for treatment. That might include cleaning and packing the wound with gauze, applying a synthetic tissue substitute, or taking prescription antibiotics to lower the risk of infection. 

If you have a severe wound, stitches, sutures, or surgical intervention might be necessary.

Don’t wait to make a wound care appointment at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist. Call the nearest office or click the online booking tool.