WOUND CARE SERVICES SERVING IN MILL SQUARE, SAN MATEO, HILLSBOROUGH, CA, AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS
If you’re living with chronic venous insufficiency, diabetes, or another health problem that affects your circulation, you’re also more likely to experience foot, ankle, or leg wounds. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, leg wounds may become infected, resulting in gangrene or the need for amputation. At West America Foot and Ankle in San Mateo, California, highly skilled podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Gilbert Huang, DPM, provides wound care to patients of all ages. Call the podiatry clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
WOUND CARE Q&A
What is wound care?
A wound is an open sore or slow-healing ulcer that forms anywhere on the body. At West America Foot and Ankle, Dr. Huang is a skilled podiatrist who provides wound care for your feet, ankles, or legs.
Wounds occur due to poor circulation, and without treatment, increase your risk of more serious health problems. Anyone can experience foot or ankle wounds, but they’re especially common in those with health conditions like chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) or diabetes.
When might I need wound care?
The symptoms of wounds vary, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. In most cases, ulcers cause foot or ankle pain. However, if you have nerve damage due to unmanaged diabetes, you might not experience discomfort at all.
It’s important to schedule an appointment at West America Foot and Ankle if you develop a wound that oozes pus, increases in size, or causes swelling. Other telltale symptoms of leg wounds include enlarged veins and feelings of heaviness or itching.
How are wounds diagnosed?
To diagnose foot wounds, Dr. Huang reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and conducts a physical exam. Most of the time, he can differentiate between a wound and a regular sore by simply looking at it. If necessary, he might also order an ultrasound to observe your blood flow and look for clots or other underlying issues.
What does wound care involve?
Treatment for wounds depends on the severity of your wound and its effects on your quality of life. West America Foot and Ankle works to relieve pain, prevent infection, and stop the wound from growing in size.
If you have an infected wound, Dr. Huang can prescribe oral antibiotics or a topical antibiotic ointment or cream. Antibiotics destroy harmful bacteria and prevent the infection from spreading.
Dr. Huang also cleans and wraps your wound with compression bandages. This improves circulation and encourages your body’s natural healing process.
If you have a wound that keeps you from standing up or walking around, you might benefit from custom orthotics or a brace. These devices can help you stay mobile while preventing future ulcers. Treatments like endovenous laser ablation or sclerotherapy may be necessary if you have venous ulcers.
Call West America Foot and Ankle today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about wound care.
