Preventing and Treating Leg Wounds: Podiatry Tips for Optimal Foot Health
Did you know that neglecting foot wounds can be a reason for foot amputation? Foot wounds are highly prone to infections and conditions, which can cause severe complications. That’s why effectively managing foot wounds is necessary for optimal foot health. Learn 8 tips for optimal foot health with wound care in this article.
8 tips for optimal foot health with wound care
These tips help you maintain good foot health with wound care:
- Clean your wounds immediately:
Always inspect your leg or foot for wounds if you find a wound or ulcer. Then you should immediately clean it with soap and water. Avoid using alcohol and hydrogen peroxide because these are harsh on the skin and delay the healing process.
After cleaning, visit your healthcare provider or wound care specialist for proper wound dressing.
- Choose the right footwear:
Wearing proper-fitting shoes can significantly affect your healing process in case of foot ulcers or wounds. Always choose comfortable footwear that fits well and provides ample support. If you wear ill-fitting shoes, then it can make your wounds worse or lead to problems like corn, calluses, and bunions.
Choose shoes that are made from breathable materials to keep your feet dry and if you use socks, wear breathable, moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and free from bacterial growth.
In some cases, custom orthotics or specialized footwear can be used to promote healing.
- Keep your feet dry:
Moist environments are perfect for bacterial and fungal growth, increasing your risk of infection. That’s why you should dry your feet thoroughly after washing, especially between your toes.
Avoid wearing damp socks or shoes. You can also use moisture-absorbing foot powder or alcohol-based spray to prevent infections and keep your feet dry throughout the day.
- Follow proper nail care:
Your nails may not help wound healing, but proper nail care can lower your risk of foot issues.
For proper nail care:
- Always trim your nails straight across to prevent the risk of ingrown toenails, a condition that increases your risk of infection.
- Keep your nails clean by regularly removing dust particles underneath your nails and washing and drying them to reduce the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.
- Footrest and elevation:
Your feet bear your body weight whenever you stand and/or walk, that’s why giving them proper rest is essential. So, whenever possible, sit down and allow your feet to rest, especially after prolonged periods of standing or walking.
To improve your blood circulation in your legs, make sure you elevate your foot higher than your heart levels. This can reduce your wound’s swelling and promote healing.
- Don’t walk barefoot:
Walking barefoot at home is okay if you keep your floors clean. However, walking outdoors, especially in public areas, exposes your feet to harmful bacteria and can increase the risk of injury.
Often people with compromised circulation and sensation develop neuropathy or lack of feeling in their feet and won’t realize if their feet get cut during walking or develop bumps when they walk on burning hot surfaces. That’s why you should wear shoes and slippers to protect your feet.
- Inspect your foot regularly:
Regular self-examinations can help you detect potential foot problems such as cuts, blisters, discolored nails, scratches, redness, and swelling. Detecting these problems early on helps you prevent severe complications later. If you find it difficult to examine your foot soles, use a mirror to see the soles of your feet.
- Seek professional medical care:
Regular checkups with a podiatrist allow detection of early signs of foot problems and facilitate treatment. Your podiatrist tells you how often you should have follow-up appointments. You can ask questions about signs and problems that happen to your foot.
In case you suffer from diabetes or other risk factors for foot complications, then you should see your podiatrist annually.
Your foot wounds need proper care for proper healing and to prevent infections. Following the above-mentioned tips for optimal foot care significantly reduces the risk of complications and maintains overall foot health. Remember to get professional help in case you notice any signs of infections or need guidance on foot care.
If you need medical help with your foot wound care, visit our podiatry clinic in Brooklyn for professional medical help. Doral Health & Wellness employs Podiatrists with extensive education and expertise. Trauma to the tendons, muscles, and bones of the foot is quite common. It’s not a good idea to put off seeing a Foot Doctor Brooklyn until you’re in a lot of pain. Our address is 1797 Pitkin Avenue, New York, NY 11212. To make an appointment, please call +1-347-384-5690 or send an email toinfo@doralhw.org.