Foot and leg ulcers are caused by a range of factors, and require timely intervention. Here is how you can help prevent – or manage – an ulcer on your feet or legs.
What is a foot or leg ulcer?
Foot and leg ulcers are open sores caused by a break in the skin that fails to heal. It is important to get treatment from a health professional such as a podiatrist, as soon as you can , visit Foot Specialist Near you.
What causes foot ulcers?
Ulcers can develop for a range of reasons including blisters, open wounds, pressure or circulation problems. Ulcers are more likely to occur when either your circulation or the nerve supply in your feet and legs is damaged. Ulcers may develop from blisters caused by incorrectly fitting shoes, from injuries and skin tears, and from pressure due to loss of feeling in the feet. Ulcers on the feet and legs increase the risk of amputation particularly in people with diabetes.
How do you manage ulcers?
Prevention is better than cure. Check your skin daily and treat all open wounds immediately. Wash your feet daily, apply moisturiser to the skin and wear protective footwear such as socks and shoes. If an ulcer develops consult a health professional as soon as possible. Podiatrists at a Podiatry clinic near you can manage your wound care, advise on correctly fitting footwear and supply and fit padding or special shoes to manage pressure areas. In some cases, you may need to have a walking boot or plaster cast on your foot to assist the ulcer to heal.
What is the best treatment?
Ulcers should be treated by the best podiatrist (or wound specialist) who can remove the dead tissue in the wound and provide appropriate dressings to encourage the tissue to heal. Prevention of infection is very important when treating ulcers, and sometimes an x-ray may be required to see whether an infection has spread to the bone. If you have circulation problems, you may need to see a vascular surgeon to improve the blood flow to your feet.
Dr. Amanda Zanatta’s basic guidelines to follow when dressing your foot ulcer
STEP 1: Wash your hands thoroughly before you apply the dressing.
STEP 2: Cleanse the ulcer with saline (salt water).
Once the dressing has been removed, wash the ulcer with normal saline which is available from the chemist. It is important that the foot is not “bathed” as this can increase the risk of infection. You can make a salt solution at home by dissolving a teaspoon of table salt in hot water in a mug and diluting it with cold water until the mug is full.
STEP 3: Dry the ulcer before dressing.
Do not place the dressing on the ulcer if moisture is still present. Dry with a clean towel.
STEP 4: Apply the appropriate dressing.
The podiatrist has specifically chosen the dressings for your foot ulcer that will be most beneficial for you. These may change over time during the course of your treatment.
STEP 5: Secure dressing properly.
A foot ulcer dressing needs to stay in place and your podiatrist may recommend tape or bandages to do this. Too much tape is not good for your skin and your podiatrist will often avoid using it if possible,
- Do not leave the foot ulcer uncovered for any period of time
- Once the ulcer has been cleansed it is essential that it be dressed immediately. Do not remove the dressing before your podiatry appointment unless advised.
- Keep ulcer dry
- It is very important that the ulcer and dressing do not get wet in the shower or bath as this can increase the risk of infection. You can try to use a plastic bag to keep the foot dry however, we recommend you also use a shower chair to reduce seepage of water into the bag and to prevent slipping. If the dressing does get wet, you should change the dressing as soon as possible.
- Dressing changes
- Only change the ulcer dressing as often as directed. If you change a dressing too often you can disturb the wound and slow down the healing. If you do not change the dressing often enough, you can risk developing an infection.
- Continue to dress the ulcer
- Sometimes the ulcer may look like it has healed when it hasn’t. It is important to dress the area until further advice from your podiatrist or Foot doctor.
- Use prescribed offloading devices and equipment as recommended
- Ulcer dressings typically work more effectively in combination with other treatments that take pressure off the ulcer. These include orthotic, post operative healing shoes, orthopaedic footwear, offloading walkers and crutches.
- In general, it is recommended when you have a plantar foot ulcer that you rest the feet as much as practically possible, by keeping weight-bearing activities to an absolute minimum.
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Monitoring for infection
One of the complications of foot ulcers is the risk of the wound becoming infected, which can lead to serious consequences. It is important that the ulcer and foot be thoroughly inspected by yourself or a family member/friend at every dressing change.
- Symptoms that may indicate an infection include:
- increased redness or swelling around the ulcer or foot
- pain from the ulcer, or the foot and leg in general
- ulcer dramatically changes colour
- fluid from the ulcer starts to become “pus-like”, heavier or develops a foul odour
- fevers and chills, or generally feeling unwell
- if you are diabetic, your blood sugar levels may go higher and/or be erratic
Should you experience one of a number of these symptoms, then an infection may be present, it is important to seek immediate medical help.
Find a Podiatrist Near You
If you’re experiencing foot or leg pain, don’t wait to seek professional help. Our team of skilled podiatrists at Malvern. Best Foot forward Podiatrist and orthotics is here to provide personalised care and treatment options tailored to your needs. Whether you’re dealing with acute pain or chronic discomfort, we’ll work with you to address the underlying cause and get you back on your feet.
Contact Us Today
Don’t let foot or leg pain hold you back from living your best life. Schedule an appointment with Best Foot Forward podiatrist and orthotics today and take the first step towards better foot health. Find a Podiatrist near you and start your journey to pain-free living.
