Foot Specialists in Racine WI help patients who have circulation problems that put them at risk of sores that won’t heal and infected sores. If an open sore develops on a foot, ineffective circulation prevents an adequate amount of blood flow with its healing oxygen and nutrients from reaching the area. Foot sores also can be very difficult to keep clean and dry, since the patient may be required to wear socks and shoes to work. Individuals with diabetes that is difficult to control and patients with certain cardiovascular disorders are examples of people at risk of foot ulcers.
A foot sore, that won’t heal should never be taken lightly. In a worst-case scenario, an infected sore may eventually result in the need to amputate part or all of the foot to prevent the infection from spreading throughout the body. The infection can travel through the bloodstream and become dangerous. Another worst-case scenario is when the tissue dies, a condition medically known as gangrene. Amputation may be necessary if gangrene has spread beyond the immediate fleshy area of the sore. Podiatrists at a clinic such as Great Lakes Foot & Ankle Centers help patients avoid these situations and regain their foot health.
Foot Specialists in Racine WI provide aggressive treatment to prevent infection, gangrene or the need for amputation. The patient may take oral antibiotics, and topical antibiotics are applied to the foot for prevention or treatment purposes. A cane or crutch may be used to keep pressure off the foot when the individual needs to walk. The doctor may recommend that the patient stay off this foot as much as possible. Standing in one place will be inadvisable. If the individual’s job requires this, time away from work may be necessary, or a temporary change to a job allowing sitting may be possible. Exercises that improve circulation to the feet may help. An example would be sitting in a chair and using the ankles to move the feet in circles. Another would be doing gentle foot kicks while seated. Contact Us to get started on treating a stubborn foot sore.
