The elderly are the most susceptible to chronic foot ulcers, with many of these injuries occurring on the heel. This can be due to limited mobility especially among the bedridden, exacerbated by other health conditions such as diabetes. For treatment of foot and heel ulcers, Culver City Foot Doctor J. Leonard Knudson is here to help in tending to the injury and preventing it from occurring again.
Chronic Foot Ulcers and Heel Ulcers Require Prompt Treatment and Management
Pressure ulcers tend to occur over pressure points where bony prominences of the body make contact with surfaces - such as beds, chairs, footwear, etc. This is why such ulcers tend to appear on heels, the tips of toes or between toes, the hips and other areas where the bony parts often protrude and rub against socks, shoes, bedsheets and the like.
Proper treatment of these foot and heel pressure ulcers to heal the wound, prevent further occurrences and improve patient quality of life requires collaboration between the patient and the podiatrist. Sometimes, patients' families or caregivers may be part of this if the patients require assistance in caring for themselves. Either way, Dr. Knudson will educate the patient and their caregivers on the treatment process and ways to prevent the ulcers from occurring again.
Factors involved in foot and heel ulcers include diabetes, which can cause neuropathy or the impairment of the nerves of distal parts of the body including the foot. Diminished sensation means that patients cannot feel pain from slight wounds, which when unnoticed untreated can grow or become infected. Diabetes also diminishes blood circulation, which will impair tissue healing and further complicate the wound healing process. Similarly, patients with mobility impairments can have similar issues with circulation and they will have difficulty adjusting their extremities to lessen pressure on boney prominences.
Regular examination is a must to prevent minor wounds from growing larger, and for wound care to be done early on before further complications. Dr. Knudson will perform wound assessment and devise an appropriate treatment plan. These can include medication such as antibiotics, wound cleaning and dressing, as well as elevating the feet or using specialized cushions to reduce pressure on the affected limb.
Get heel and foot ulcers treated before complications arise.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. J. Leonard Knudson - a Culver City Foot Doctor for treatment.
Dr. J. Leonard Knudson is a Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Culver City and near West Los Angeles. We also tend to patients from nearby - UCLA, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice, Santa Monica and the West Los Angeles area.
310-876-1579
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm