Wound Care

Comprehensive wound care is critical if you have such issues as diabetic wounds, vascular wounds, gangrene, or slow-healing wounds. Because these types of wounds can increase your risk of amputation, skilled foot and ankle surgeon Marc Claydon, DPM, and the team at Foot and Ankle Surgeons of Northern California provide research-driven treatment solutions at their offices in Auburn and Grass Valley, California. Call the nearest office to schedule an appointment, or request one online today.

Why is wound care important?

Your skin is your body’s main line of defense, so the smallest of wounds can allow dangerous bacteria, viruses, and other invaders to enter and cause an infection. While a wound anywhere on your body requires treatment, proper care is particularly important when it comes to your feet and ankles.

Blood flow to and from your lower extremities is limited because your circulatory system has to work against the force of gravity. Additionally, your feet are the farthest points from your heart, and getting oxygen-rich blood down to your feet to heal wounds quickly doesn’t always happen.

Wound care is important to intervene and promote healing while treating and preventing infections. Because wounds in your feet can quickly become ulcerated or gangrene, especially if you have decreased blood flow, a weakened immune system, or diabetes, comprehensive wound care and amputation prevention are vital.  

When should I see a podiatrist for wound care?

Foot and Ankle Surgeons of Northern California offers up-to-date wound care services for all types of wounds that occur in your feet, ankles, or lower legs. The expert podiatrists encourage you to schedule a wound care evaluation if you experience:

• Redness
• Numbness 
• Pus or oozing
• Nail discoloration 
• Slow-healing wounds
• Shooting or electrical pains 

Early intervention is critical when you have a lower extremity wound. Even if your injury seems minor, you should schedule an exam at Foot and Ankle Surgeons of Northern California before your condition worsens. 

What can I expect from wound care treatment?

Treating a wound involves a series of steps. When you visit Foot and Ankle Surgeons of Northern California for your wound care appointment, Dr. Claydon evaluates your personal medical history and examines your feet and ankles. During your exam, he might:

• Trim damaged skin or infected toenails
• Clean your wound and apply an antimicrobial solution
• Bandage your wound and show you how to change your bandage
• Counsel you about managing your wound and preventing future wounds

For advanced vascular wounds or gangrene, you might benefit from regenerative medicine treatments with stem cell injections. This modern treatment helps promote healing and minimize inflammation*.

Sometimes surgery and tissue grafting are necessary to repair seriously damaged skin. Dr. Claydon counsels you about all possible treatment options so you can make educated decisions regarding your health care plan. 

Foot and Ankle Surgeons of Northern California offers comprehensive wound care. If you need wound care services, don’t hesitate to book an exam. Call the office or request an appointment online today. 

* Individual results may vary.