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Lower Extremity Wound Care
We offer comprehensive, lower extremity wound care. Typical wound care in our office requires weekly visits with the doctor to ensure proper management of your wound. Every wound we see and patient we treat is unique. Our physician will evaluate your wound and determine the best care plan specific to you. Below are common treatment options when it comes to weekly wound care.
Bluewater Foot & Ankle Specialists
1565 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. Suite 104
Charleston, SC 29407
85 Springview Lane Suite B
Summerville, SC 29485
(854) 444-3129
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Surgical dressing changes
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Wound irrigation and cleaning of skin
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Wound debridement to remove dead tissue
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Skin and tissue grafting
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Surgery (in specific instances)
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Patient education
Lower Extremity Wounds We Treat
Venous Stasis Ulcers
A wound on the leg or ankle caused by abnormal or damaged veins. Venous ulcers are due to abnormal vein function. People may inherit a tendency for abnormal veins. Common causes of damaged veins include blood clots, injury, aging, and obesity.
Symptoms include swelling, achiness, and tiredness in the legs. Usually a red, irritated skin rash develops into an open wound.
Neurotrophic (Diabetic) Wounds
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes and is commonly located on the bottom of the foot.
Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations in the United States, and foot ulcers should not be ignored. If you notice a wound beginning to form, seek medical attention immediately.
Arterial (Ischemic) Ulcers
Arterial ulcers are caused by poor perfusion (delivery of nutrient-rich blood) to the lower extremities. Arterial ulcers are often found between or on the tips of the toes, on the heels, on the outer ankle, or where there is pressure from walking or footwear. These ulcers are generally very painful, especially while exercising, at rest, or during the night.
Non-healing Surgical Wounds
A non-healing surgical wound can occur after surgery when a wound caused by an incision doesn’t heal as expected. This is usually caused by infection – a rare but serious complication.
Causes of poor wound-healing depend on the type and location of the procedure, health condition and other factors.
Pressure Related Wounds
Pressure ulcers are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue, primarily caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. These can be a result of improper footwear among other things.
Traumatic Wounds
The foot is frequently exposed to direct trauma due to its role in weight-bearing. This includes traumatic events such as blunt trauma and piercing trauma to the lower extremities. The soft-tissue wounds that commonly result interfere with ambulation due to complications such as tissue necrosis, scar formation, infection, and deformity.