Doctor with gloves on checking the wound on someone's foot

Why Won’t That Wound on Your Foot Heal?

For most people, a small cut or scrape is a minor annoyance that heals on its own. But what happens when a sore on your foot or ankle simply won’t go away?

A non-healing wound is more than just a frustration; it’s a serious medical concern that requires specialized attention. Read on to learn more about spotting the symptoms and treating the root causes, courtesy of Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute.

What Makes a Foot Wound a Chronic Problem?

A wound becomes “chronic” when the body’s natural healing process is impaired. In the feet, this is common; they’re far from the heart and subject to constant pressure!

 The most common reasons a wound fails to heal include:

  • Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage nerves (neuropathy), making it easy to miss an injury, and it can harm blood vessels, reducing the blood flow necessary for healing.
  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Narrowed arteries in the legs starve the wound of the oxygen-rich blood it needs to repair itself.
  • Poor Circulation: Conditions like venous insufficiency can cause fluid to pool in the legs, creating pressure that prevents a wound from closing.

Warning Signs: When to See a Podiatrist Immediately

If you have a sore on your foot or ankle, do not ignore these critical warning signs. It’s time to seek immediate professional care if you notice:

  • [✔] The wound has shown little or no improvement after two weeks.
  • [✔] Signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth spreading from the wound, swelling, or any discharge.
  • [✔] A foul odor coming from the wound.
  • [✔] Worsening pain in or around the wound.
  • [✔] Darkened or discolored skin near the area.

The Podiatrist’s Role: Improving Your Outcome

Seeking care from a podiatrist for a chronic wound dramatically improves outcomes.

Advanced Wound Care: Beyond the Basics

Our goal is to create the optimal environment for your body to heal itself.

  • Your personalized treatment plan may include standard procedures like debridement (removing unhealthy tissue) and specialized dressings.
  • For the most stubborn wounds, we offer advanced in-office therapies.

A Key Treatment: In-Office Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

One of the best tools for healing difficult wounds is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).

  • This non-invasive treatment involves relaxing in a special chamber while breathing 100% pure oxygen.
  • This process super-saturates your blood with oxygen, which is then delivered to the wound site, dramatically accelerating the growth of new, healthy tissue.

We are proud to offer this advanced therapy right here in our office, providing a convenient and effective way to stimulate healing from the inside out.

Don’t Delay! We Can Help

A non-healing wound on your foot or ankle is a serious medical condition that requires the care of a specialist. Early and consistent treatment is the single best way to ensure healing, prevent severe complications, and protect your long-term health and mobility.

Never let wounds get worse; the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute offers comprehensive podiatric services! Call us at 301-797-8554 or contact us to schedule an appointment. Located in Hagerstown & Frederick, MD, we’re ready to meet any of your foot health needs.

Don’t forget Dr. Michaels’s motto:

 “If it’s below the knee, think of me!”