Foot Ulcer

Apple Podiatry Group

Podiatrists, Foot & Ankle Surgeons located in Arlington, Fort Worth, & Flower Mound, TX

Known as a common complication of poorly managed diabetes, foot ulcers develop when skin tissues break down and quickly become dangerously infected. If you have a foot ulcer, schedule an evaluation with Jarna Rathod-Bhatt, DPM, or Rahul Bhatt, DPM, of Apple Podiatry Group right away. The wound care-certified podiatry team provides comprehensive foot ulcer care in Arlington, Flower Mound. Click the online scheduler to book your foot ulcer evaluation, or call your most convenient location directly.

Foot Ulcer Q & A

Why do foot ulcers form?

Foot wounds are always a cause for concern since blood flow is so limited in your feet, just because of the effects of gravity.

With diabetes, poor circulation, or weakened immune system issues, this concern is amplified. Diabetes in particular leads to further reduced circulation, blood vessel damage, and even nerve damage.

These issues can cause the skin on your feet to dry out, making you more susceptible to cracks and wounds. When wounds do occur, they don’t get a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood and nutrients, which forces wounds to stay open.

Not only does your risk of infection go up each day that wound is open, you may have no idea a wound is on your foot since you might not feel it due to nerve damage (neuropathy).

Because of these issues, even the smallest wound can become infected and turn into a serious foot ulcer if bacteria continue building up.

What are the symptoms of a foot ulcer?

The symptoms you experience with a foot ulcer vary depending on the severity of your infection and whether you have nerve damage. Common symptoms of foot ulcers include:

Blood or drainage in your socks
Burning, tingling, or numbness
Redness or warmth
Tenderness

The caring podiatrists at Apple Podiatry Group encourage you to come in for a foot ulcer evaluation right away, especially if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system.

Since the podiatrists are certified in wound care, they treat your foot ulcer on the spot and work diligently to prevent amputation.

How are foot ulcers treated?

Treating foot ulcers involves cleaning your wound, preventing further skin damage, and working to promote healing. Your podiatrist thoroughly cleans your foot ulcer and removes any dead tissue (wound debridement). They may also:

Remove nearby ingrown toenails, calluses, or corns
Get you fitted for orthotics or diabetic shoes
Apply an antibacterial ointment
Provide foot braces or wraps
Prescribe antibiotic drugs
Bandage your wound
Trim your toenails

Your dedicated podiatrist at Apple Podiatry Group even counsels you on how to clean and care for your foot ulcer at home. They have you check in regularly to ensure your foot ulcer properly heals.

Since a foot ulcer can lead to serious infection and even amputation, schedule an exam at Apple Podiatry Group right away. Book either online or over the phone.

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