For people with diabetes, it is especially important to promptly treat wounds in order to help maintain healthy feet. Minor foot wounds can easily develop into more serious conditions if left uncared for, making wound care an important part of maintaining healthy feet.
Diabetes can affect the nerve endings in the feet, in some cases leaving them with little to no feeling. Wounds can then develop and go unnoticed until it is too late. For anyone with diabetes, it is important to be watchful for developing wounds so they can promptly seek care. To help with this, we recommend checking your feet daily for any signs of wounds or other abnormalities. Get your Ann Arbor Wound Care at the Foot & Ankle Centers, serving Washtenaw County and surrounding areas.
One step people can take is wearing comfortable shoes that provide extra support and protection. People should avoid tight-fitting shoes or high heels that can lead to foot wounds and complications. Another important step is being careful when trimming your toenails, avoiding cutting at an angle or cutting into the skin around the nail. Finally, make sure you regularly and thoroughly wash and dry your feet to maintain hygiene. If you have any questions or need more comprehensive information on caring for your feet and preventing foot wounds, Wound Care Ann Arbor patients should talk to a podiatrist for expert advice and care.
We understand that every wound is unique and requires a personalized approach to ensure the best possible healing. To be able to treat many different types of cases, we offer these advanced techniques to care for wounds:
Our hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber is a comfortable and advanced solution in which patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. This therapy significantly enhances the body's natural healing processes by increasing the oxygen supply to the wound area, which helps fight infection and promotes faster healing.
Outside of the chamber, we offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy, in which patients breathe in high concentrations of oxygen. This method is particularly effective for treating non-healing wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, by accelerating tissue repair and reducing inflammation.
For minor cuts and abrasions, we use liquid skin bandages. This innovative treatment forms a protective barrier over the wound, keeping it clean and hydrated while allowing the skin to heal naturally. It's like giving your wound a little extra TLC.
Pressure sores, often caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, can be painful and slow to heal. Our team employs various strategies, including specialized cushions and mattresses, to relieve pressure and promote healing. We also provide education on repositioning techniques to prevent future sores.
Similar to pressure sores, bedsores require careful and attentive treatment. We manage these wounds with a combination of cleansing, debridement, and advanced dressings. Our goal is to ensure comfort and rapid healing, reducing the risk of complications.
Hydrogel dressings are a soothing option for wounds that need a moist healing environment. These dressings provide hydration to the wound, which can help debride dead tissue and promote new tissue growth. They are particularly beneficial for burns, ulcers, and other painful wounds.
For wounds that exude a lot of fluid, foam dressings can be an excellent choice for relief. These dressings are highly absorbent and help keep the wound clean and dry while still providing a cushion to protect the area. They're also a great option for pressure ulcers and surgical wounds.
At Arbor-Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers, we are committed to using the best techniques and treatments to ensure your wounds heal effectively and comfortably. If you have any questions or need wound care, don't hesitate to reach out to our compassionate team.
Keeping the wound clean and moist and protecting it with appropriate dressings can help wounds heal faster. Proper nutrition and avoiding smoking also contribute to quicker healing.
Wounds generally heal faster when kept covered and moist, as this environment promotes new tissue formation and prevents infection.
Applying Neosporin or a similar antibiotic ointment can help prevent infection and keep the wound moist, which may aid healing.
Vaseline helps keep the wound moist, preventing the wound from drying out and forming a scab, allowing the skin to heal more efficiently.
Antibiotic ointments, such as Neosporin or other over-the-counter options that keep the wound moist and protected are generally recommended for first-aid wound care.
You should see a doctor if your wound is not healing, shows signs of infection (such as increased redness, swelling, or pus), or if you have underlying conditions like diabetes that may affect healing.
Get relief today at Arbor - Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers
At Arbor - Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, we identify your unique foot and ankle needs and develop a highly effective and individualized treatment plan to resolve them. Our experts will work relentlessly to make you feel better and put your best foot forward.