Wound Care

What types of wounds do podiatrists treat?

The podiatrists at Kaplansky Foot and Ankle Centers treat a wide range of slow or nonhealing wounds such as:

• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Venous stasis ulcers
• Pressure sores
• Wounds from traumatic injuries

Nonhealing wounds are most often a diabetes complication. However, other circulation problems, pressure, and surgical incisions can result in painful, slow-healing wounds that increase your risk of necrosis, gangrene, and amputation.

If you have a wound, Dr. Cozzolino can provide the care you need at Mount Carmel Wound Care Center East in Columbus or Mount Carmel Wound Care Center St. Ann's in Westerville, Ohio. These state-of-art medical facilities have specially trained nurses, a team of consulting physicians, and access to the most up-to-date forms of healing available.

Why would I need wound care services?

If you have a circulatory issue that limits the amount of fresh, oxygenated blood that reaches your feet and ankles, you both lose sensation in your feet and your body doesn’t have enough of the oxygen and nutrients needed to heal an injury. The risks are two-fold as you may not feel an injury and know to treat it while at the same time your body’s healing response is impaired.

When foot and ankle ulcers are left untreated, your risk of infection increases. If your wound becomes infected and you still don’t get treatment, the infection can spread into your healthy tissue and lead to severe problems. For example, untreated diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most common causes of amputation today.

What happens during a wound care appointment?

The podiatrists at Kaplansky Foot and Ankle Centers offer state-of-the-art wound care combined with a holistic approach to both prevent infection and help you restore your overall health and quality of life. Many patients have weekly or biweekly wound care appointments for their podiatrist to care for their feet and monitor their health.

They clean your wounds and examine your tissue for signs of infection and decay. If necessary, they can remove dead tissue from the sore. Your podiatrist applies sterile bandages to your foot. They may also provide a protective boot or another cushioned cover for your foot to reduce pressure on your wound.

If necessary, your podiatrist may recommend additional vascular testing, skin grafting, or surgery to repair your foot and reduce your risk of infection and amputation.

If you’re concerned about a nonhealing wound on your foot or ankle, call Kaplansky Foot and Ankle Centers or schedule an appointment online today for expert wound care services.