Foot Ulcer Treatment
Treatment goals for foot ulcers
The many treatment options for foot ulcers aim to:
- Preserve limb function
- Manage the spread of infection
- Reduce pain
- Increase limb mobility
Types of foot ulcer treatment
Doctors at UPMC Orthopaedic Care might prescribe both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for foot ulcers.
Nonsurgical treatments for foot ulcers may include:
- Wound care
- Casting
- Compression
- Off-loading
- Orthotics
If nonsurgical treatment options don't work over time, your doctor may advise surgery.
Common surgical procedures for treating and correcting foot ulcers range from more routine wound care procedures like surgical debridement, to amputation if the ulcer becomes infected.
In addition to nonsurgical and surgical treatments, doctors may prescribe rounds of anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics to help the healing foot ulcers.
Benefits and risks of foot ulcer treatment
Following treatment for foot ulcers, a period of off-loading of the feet is often necessary. This can be as long as four months after a surgical procedure.
With prompt evaluation and treatment, doctors can appropriately manage foot ulcers and minimize the spread of infection.
To identify cases of foot ulcers as quickly as possible, monitor your feet regularly and go to the doctor for a total foot exam if you have any predisposing medical conditions.
Learn more about foot ulcer treatment
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