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It’s been said
that time heals all
wounds. In reality there are some
wounds that need more to get better—
they need expert medical attention too.
That’s the case with venous ulcers.
Fortunately, our wound care center
provides excellent care for these and
other serious wounds.
A TROUBLING SORE
Venous ulcers are painful, shallow
wounds that usually develop on the
legs—often around the ankles—and
are slow to heal. They occur when
blood pools in the legs, causing
pressure to build in the veins. Being
overweight; standing or sitting too
long; and having an injury, blood clot
or surgery are some common causes.
A venous ulcer will feel tender,
7 steps to take for healthy feet
To lessen your chances of developing a foot ulcer, follow these tips:
1
Stay in control of your blood sugar.
2
Be active, and don’t smoke. Smoking affects circulation.
3
Check your feet every day for problems, such as red spots,
blisters, cuts, swelling and ingrown toenails. Report anything
suspicious to your doctor right away.
4
Wear comfortable shoes and socks at all times, and make sure
there’s nothing inside your shoes that will irritate your feet. Avoid
wearing flip-flops, sandals and socks with holes.
5
Trim toenails straight across, and file the edges. If you can’t reach
your toenails, ask a medical provider to cut them. Your medical
provider should also treat problems such as corns and calluses.
6
Shield your feet from heat sources, such as electric blankets and
fireplaces, and cold sources, such as snow.
7
Wash your feet daily—but don’t soak them. Dry them carefully,
especially between the toes. Apply a thin coat of lotion afterward
to help keep skin soft. But don’t put the lotion between your
toes—extra moisture there may lead to infection.
Sources: American Diabetes Association; American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
Leg ulcers need special attention
look red at the bottom and ooze fluid.
The skin around the wound may
be discolored.
EARLY TREATMENT IS BEST
If you think you have a venous ulcer,
see a doctor because the wound won’t
heal on its own. And the longer you
have it and the larger it gets, the more
difficult it may be to treat.
At our wound care center, we often
begin treatment with special bandages
and compression stockings that reduce
swelling and help your veins work
better. Our staff may also recommend
taking medications, keeping your legs
elevated and doing certain exercises.
Although it may take months,
most venous ulcers do improve.
However, sometimes additional
treatments are needed. These may
include removing dead tissue from
the wound and, in some cases,
doing a skin graft.
PERSISTENT PROBLEMS
If your wound doesn’t go away and you
develop severe, ongoing problems—a
condition known as chronic venous
insufficiency—you may benefit
from a procedure that destroys the
troublesome veins. This may involve
surgery, the use of lasers or radio waves,
or a chemical injection.
Our wound care clinic is openMonday through Friday, from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tomake an appointment, call
417-326-8700
.
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PODIATRY