Types of Wounds We Treat
- Diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores
- Wounds that have not improved after one to two weeks of home care
- Traumatic lacerations, puncture wounds, and abrasions on the foot or ankle
- Post-surgical wounds and incision sites
- Infected wounds with redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage
- Blisters that have opened or are not healing normally
Common Risk Factors
- Diabetes or elevated blood sugar
- Peripheral neuropathy — reduced sensation that masks wound development
- Poor circulation or peripheral artery disease
- History of foot ulcers or prior amputation
- Prolonged pressure or friction from footwear
- Immune-compromising conditions or medications
How We Help
Fjerstad, DPM begins every visit with a thorough evaluation of the wound, surrounding tissue, and any contributing factors. The goal is to create the right conditions for healing and prevent progression.
- Wound cleaning and debridement of non-viable tissue
- Selection and application of appropriate wound dressings
- Offloading — removing pressure from the wound site through padding, bracing, or footwear modification
- Infection management including topical and oral treatment as needed
- Monitoring and follow-up to assess healing progress
- Coordination with primary care, vascular surgery, or infectious disease when indicated
- Custom orthotics and diabetic footwear guidance to reduce recurrence
When to Call
Do not wait to see if a foot wound improves on its own if you have diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation. Call the office right away for any wound with redness spreading beyond the edges, drainage, warmth, odor, or worsening pain — or for any wound that has not improved after one week of home care.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist for a wound on my foot?
Any wound that has not begun to improve within a week — or any wound with redness, warmth, drainage, or odor — should be evaluated promptly. Patients with diabetes or poor circulation should seek care within 24 to 48 hours.
What does podiatric wound care involve?
Treatment includes wound cleaning and debridement, appropriate dressing selection, offloading pressure from the wound site, infection management, and monitoring for healing progress. The approach depends on the wound type and your overall health.
Can a foot wound become serious if left untreated?
Yes. Untreated foot wounds — especially in patients with diabetes or reduced circulation — can progress to deep tissue infection or more serious complications. Early evaluation and consistent wound management are the most effective ways to prevent serious outcomes.