Comprehensive Wound Care for the Foot, Ankle, and Lower Leg
A wound that will not heal is more than a surface problem. At Ankle and Foot Specialists of Marion, we treat wounds of the foot, ankle, and lower leg by healing the wound and finding the underlying cause, whether that is poor circulation, pressure, infection, or a deformity. Our goals are simple: heal the wound, preserve the limb, and prevent it from coming back.
Our podiatric foot and ankle surgeons see patients with diabetic ulcers, pressure sores, surgical wounds, and long-standing wounds that have not responded to other care. The sooner a wound is treated, the better the outcome, so please do not wait.
Wounds We Treat
Select a wound type to learn how we approach it:
- Diabetic Wounds
- Pressure Wounds
- Surgical Wounds
- Gangrene
- Arterial Wounds
- Venous Insufficiency Wounds
- Bone Infections
If you have diabetes, you can also read about our diabetic wound care and our full diabetic foot care program.
Your Wound Care Providers
Wound care at our practice is led by Dr. Andrew J. Brown and Dr. Matthew J. Brown, third-generation Marion podiatrists who are Diplomates of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and Fellows of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Because they are foot and ankle surgeons, they can treat the wound and also correct the structural problems that caused it when surgery is needed.
What to Expect at Your Evaluation
Every treatment plan is built around the individual patient. At your first visit, we assess the whole picture, not just the wound, so we can treat the root cause and not only the symptom. Your evaluation includes:
- The type and classification of the wound
- Signs of infection
- Blood flow and vascular status
- Nutrition and other health conditions that affect healing
- Pressure points and biomechanical imbalances in the foot
We explain what we find and involve you in every decision about your care.
Wound Treatments We Offer
Treatment depends on the wound and on you. Your plan may include several of the following:
- Debridement: removal of dead or diseased tissue to promote healing and lower the risk of infection.
- Offloading: special footwear, braces, or crutches that take pressure off the wound so it can heal.
- Compression therapy: used when appropriate for wounds related to poor venous circulation.
- Infection management: identifying and treating infection in the wound and, when needed, the bone.
- Vascular care coordination: testing blood flow and working with vascular care, including minimally invasive vascular procedures, when circulation is limiting healing.
- Advanced wound therapies: negative pressure wound therapy (wound vac), skin grafts, and synthetic grafts for wounds that are slow to heal.
- Dressings and supplies: selected for your wound type and stage of healing.
- Surgical reconstruction: for deformities that cause wounds to open or return.
Limb Preservation and Preventing Recurrence
Long-standing wounds can lead to infection, and in some cases patients are told that amputation is the only option. Treatment has advanced a great deal, and many of these limbs can be saved. If you or a loved one has been offered an amputation, we provide second opinions to see whether you qualify for our limb salvage program.
Healing is only half the goal. We also address the cause of the wound, such as pressure, deformity, or circulation, and teach you how to protect your feet, so the wound is less likely to return.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist about a wound?
See us as soon as you notice a wound on your foot, ankle, or lower leg that is not improving, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation. Redness, swelling, drainage, odor, or pain are signs that you should be seen promptly. Early treatment leads to faster healing and fewer complications.
Do I need a referral?
Please call our office at the number below and our team will tell you what is needed for your visit and insurance.
Will treatment be painful?
We work to keep you as comfortable as possible during every visit. If something is uncomfortable, tell us and we will adjust.
How long will my wound take to heal?
It depends on the type and size of the wound, your circulation, and your overall health. We will give you a realistic outlook after your evaluation and keep you updated as you heal.
What if I have been told I need an amputation?
We offer second opinions for patients who have been offered amputation. Call us to find out whether you may qualify for our limb salvage program.
Do Not Wait on a Wound That Is Not Healing
Call us at (740) 383-5115 or request an appointment online, and our team will get you in to start treatment.
Request an Appointment