Ulceration Care: Preventing, Treating, and Healing Foot Ulcers

Foot ulceration is a serious medical condition that requires timely and specialized care. Without proper treatment, foot ulcers can lead to infection, chronic foot pain, and potentially limb-threatening complications. At Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona, we provide comprehensive ulceration care for patients in Chandler, Arizona, as well as nearby communities such as Gilbert, Mesa, and Tempe, with a focus on healing, prevention, and long-term foot health.

A foot ulcer is an open wound that commonly develops on the bottom of the foot, toes, or around the ankle. Ulcers form when prolonged pressure, friction, or injury causes the skin to break down. Because the feet are weight-bearing, these wounds can be slow to heal without professional care. Ulceration is especially common in individuals with diabetes, poor circulation, nerve damage, or structural foot deformities, though anyone experiencing chronic foot pain, ill-fitting footwear, or trauma can be affected.

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing a foot ulcer, including diabetic neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, bunions, hammertoes, calluses, limited mobility, and a history of previous ulcers. Reduced sensation in the feet can prevent patients from noticing cuts or pressure points, allowing wounds to worsen over time. This makes early evaluation by a podiatrist critical to avoiding complications.

Symptoms that should never be ignored include an open sore that does not heal, redness or swelling around the wound, drainage or foul odor, thickened callused skin with breakdown underneath, increasing foot pain, or signs of infection such as warmth or fever. Early ulceration care significantly improves healing outcomes and reduces the risk of hospitalization or surgical intervention.

Research shows that most lower-extremity amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer that was not treated early. With appropriate wound care, pressure relief, and medical management, many ulcers can heal successfully. Early intervention helps reduce infection risk, accelerate healing, preserve mobility, and protect overall health.

At Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona, Alex Stewart, DPM, FACFAS and Antonius Su, DPM provide individualized ulceration care using advanced diagnostic and treatment options. Our services include thorough foot evaluations, X-ray and ultrasound imaging, professional wound care and debridement, infection management, MLS Laser Therapy to promote tissue healing, foot and ankle therapy, protective offloading techniques, custom orthotics, and surgical care when necessary. Our approach focuses not only on healing the ulcer but also on correcting the underlying cause to prevent recurrence.

Preventing future foot ulcers is an essential part of long-term care, particularly for patients with diabetes or circulation issues. Daily foot inspections, proper hygiene, supportive footwear, avoiding barefoot walking, managing blood sugar levels, and scheduling routine podiatric visits all play a vital role in prevention. Patients with a history of ulceration benefit greatly from ongoing monitoring and preventive care.

If you are experiencing a non-healing wound, increasing foot pain, or signs of infection, prompt treatment is essential. Early ulceration care can mean the difference between successful healing and serious complications. To learn more or to schedule an evaluation, contact Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona at (480) 963-9000 or visit www.advancedfootankle.com. Our team proudly serves patients throughout Chandler and the surrounding East Valley and is committed to helping you heal safely and stay active.