Lower Extremity Wound Care: A Comprehensive Guide

At Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona, we understand that wounds on the lower extremities can cause significant discomfort and complications, especially if not treated properly. From diabetic foot ulcers to post-surgical recovery wounds, timely and effective care is crucial to healing and maintaining your overall foot health. As a board-certified podiatric surgeon, I, Dr. Alex Stewart, along with my colleague Dr. Antonius Su, strives to provide top-quality wound care services to patients throughout Chandler, Arizona, and surrounding cities. In this blog, we will dive into the causes, symptoms, and treatments for lower extremity wounds, with an emphasis on the advanced care options available at our practice.

What Are Lower Extremity Wounds?

Lower extremity wounds encompass a wide range of injuries or conditions affecting the feet and ankles, often including ulcers, cuts, abrasions, surgical wounds, and injuries resulting from conditions like diabetes or poor circulation. These wounds can occur due to trauma, pressure, or underlying medical conditions such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), venous insufficiency, or diabetes.

Common Types of Lower Extremity Wounds Include:

• Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Often found on the bottom of the feet, these ulcers are a common complication of diabetes. Poor blood flow and neuropathy (nerve damage) can prevent the wound from healing properly.
• Venous Ulcers: These occur due to poor blood circulation in the legs, often affecting the lower legs near the ankles.
• Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores): Caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, particularly for individuals who are immobile for extended periods.
• Traumatic Injuries: Cuts, abrasions, and punctures resulting from accidents or sports injuries.
• Post-Surgical Wounds: Wounds that develop after surgery, requiring careful management to avoid complications such as infection or delayed healing.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to the development of lower extremity wounds. Common causes and risk factors include:

• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can impair circulation and delay wound healing.
• Poor Circulation: Conditions like PAD or venous insufficiency can reduce blood flow to the feet, slowing down the healing process.
• Trauma or Injury: Accidents, falls, or overuse can lead to open wounds or abrasions.
• Infection: An untreated injury can lead to infection, which complicates the healing process.
• Immobilization: Prolonged periods of immobility, such as being bedridden, can cause pressure ulcers or sores.

Symptoms of Lower Extremity Wounds

Symptoms may vary depending on the type and severity of the wound, but common signs include:

• Pain or tenderness at the wound site
• Redness, swelling, or warmth around the wound
• Discharge or pus, which may indicate infection
• Difficulty walking or moving due to pain or discomfort
• Unpleasant odor or changes in the wound appearance, signaling infection or complications

Treatment Options for Lower Extremity Wounds

Proper treatment of lower extremity wounds is essential to prevent infection, promote healing, and avoid complications like amputation. At Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona, we offer a variety of advanced treatment options tailored to meet your needs.

Our wound care team follows a structured protocol to assess, clean/debride, and dress the wound, ensuring it is properly protected from infection. We use specialized dressings designed to create the optimal environment for healing.

Proper footwear and support are essential for preventing pressure ulcers and further injury. Custom orthotics are designed to redistribute weight and reduce friction, while appropriate shoes protect the foot from injury and promote better healing.

In cases of deeper wounds, our practice uses advanced diagnostic tools like X-rays and ultrasound to assess the extent of damage, detect any foreign bodies, and rule out bone infection (osteomyelitis).

In more severe cases, or when a wound doesn’t heal with conservative measures, surgical intervention may be necessary. This could involve debridement (removal of dead tissue), skin grafting, or other procedures to close the wound and promote healing.

Preventive Foot Care Tips for Lower Extremity Wounds

Preventing lower extremity wounds is crucial, especially for individuals with conditions like diabetes or poor circulation. Here are some tips to help maintain foot health:

• Check Your Feet Daily: Inspect your feet regularly for cuts, blisters, or other signs of injury, especially if you have diabetes.
• Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that fit well and provide adequate support to reduce friction and pressure.
• Stay Active: Regular exercise can improve circulation and reduce the risk of conditions that contribute to poor healing.
• Keep Skin Moisturized: Dry, cracked skin is more prone to injury, so keep your feet well-moisturized.
• Seek Professional Care: If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as redness, swelling, or pain in your feet, consult a podiatrist immediately.

If you’re experiencing a wound on your foot or ankle, don’t wait—early treatment is key to preventing complications and promoting healing. Contact Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona today at (480) 963-9000 or book an appointment online to receive comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to your needs. We’re here to help you put your best foot forward again.