Danger! Watch Out for Recurring Foot Wounds!

Careful inspection of your feet on a regular basis is one of the easiest, least expensive, and most effective measures for preventing foot complications. Noticeable changes, such as temperature, skin color, pain, or swelling may be warning signs for poor circulation or loss of sensation that could potentially lead to something more serious. Annual examinations by Dr. Kylin Kovac at Idaho Foot and Ankle Center are also vital for anyone with diabetes . Dr. Kovac can provide a more thorough exam and detect any signs of changes, such as broken skin or ulcers that can be detrimental to the health of your feet and body.

According to The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), people with reoccurring foot sores or ulcers are in a constant battle to save their feet from amputation. Nearly 85 percent of lower-extremity amputations are preceded by foot wounds that simply will not heal or keep coming back.

There can be many different causes of foot ulcers including:

• Circulatory Problems
• Structural Problems with the foot or leg
• Diabetes

Because foot ulcers can be caused by many different ailments in your body, it is important to see your Podiatrist . This will allow them to find the cause of the wound and determine the appropriate treatment method for healing and prevention.

Watch for the following symptoms to help prevent wounds from happening:

• Swelling. Watch for swelling in the foot or ankle . Look for areas that seem larger than normal on the foot or ankle.
• Temperature. If the skin on your feet feels too hot or too cold, this can be a warning sign. Cold feet might mean a circulatory issue, whereas hot feet might mean infection.
• Color changes. Redness and other colors may appear before an ulcer forms, pay close attention to any color changes.
• Calluses. Watch for a callus that changes color or develops dark spots in it, this is a sign you need to call your Podiatrist.

By examining your feet daily, and after every injury, you are taking a crucial step to preventing serious foot problems. Daily foot exams can help prevent injuries and decrease your chance for infection. Here are some things you can do to help protect your feet:

• Inspect feet daily – Use a light and mirror if needed to ensure you can see all areas of the feet.
• Use preventive skin care – If you have dry, cracking feet, moisturizing them is critical to prevent sores. Control moisture that can result in blisters by using powder to keep feet dry.
• Wear shoes and socks at all times (even in your house.) – Wearing good shoes that are comfortable can help prevent injuries to the feet. Change your socks daily or more if your feet tend to sweat. Don’t wear socks with holes or seams.
• Keep your feet clean – Wash daily and dry your feet well, especially in between the toes.
• Avoid smoking- It reduces blood flow to your feet.
• Avoid ingrown toenails – Trim your toenails straight across with no rounded corners. Seek help if you are unable to trim them correctly. Never attempt “bathroom surgery” on your ingrown toenails , bunions , or corns as this may lead to infection.
• See your Podiatrist annually- This will help check for loss of sensation and other issues that may be occurring.

Through daily examinations of your feet and annual examinations by Dr. Kylin Kovac, you can help keep your feet safe, strong, and healthy. Dr. Kovac plays a critical role in the management of complications such as foot ulcers. Early detection and simple care are just a few things that can be done to control and prevent complications as they arise. If you have diabetes or are experiencing any foot or ankle wounds or issues, contact Dr. Kylin Kovac at Idaho Foot and Ankle Center today!

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