Wound Care Treatment on Feet, Ankles, and Legs in Torrance & South Bay, LA
At All South Bay Footcare, we understand that dealing with a foot or ankle wound can be frustrating, especially if it’s not healing as quickly as you’d like. That’s why our office in Torrance, CA offers a variety of wound care and treatment options to help our patients heal as quickly and efficiently as possible.
We treat all types of wounds, including those caused by infection, trauma,diabetes, pressure, surgery, burns, radiation, and more. Our team of experienced wound care specialists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
Wound care and treatment at All South Bay Footcare may include
Wound Debridement
1. Wound debridement: A procedure used to remove dead, damaged, or infected tissue from wounds. This helps to prevent infection and promotes healing by removing a layer of bacteria and older tissue that is stalled in a non healing state.
2. Clinical studies have shown that weekly wound debridement can significantly improve rates of wound closure. We may recommend this for our patients who are struggling to heal.
Below are several of the modalities we offer to accelerate the wound healing process and maximize healing potential while minimizing downtime.
VAC (vacuum assisted closure)
VAC therapy also assists in the promotion of blood flow to the foot and to the affected areas. Which makes it a great adjunctive therapy for people with circulation problems.
This therapy is often used for diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and post-operative wounds. It can be used on both open wounds and closed wounds. VAC therapy has been shown to decrease the healing time of wounds, as well as the risk of infection.
Radiation and Burn Wounds
At All South Bay Footcare, we are equipped to treat many types and stages of burns to the entire foot, ankle, and leg. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs to treat your lower extremity. We understand the importance of proper wound care and will take the time to ensure that your wounds are healed properly. Contact us today to learn more about our burn treatment services.
Skin Grafting
There are typically 3 skin grafting options we offer. First is an autograft. An autograft is a thin layer of skin harvested from the patient themselves, this is a safe and fast method of healing and covering larger wounds that have stalled or are slow to heal. It is often used in reconstructive surgery for the lower extremity and works great for burns, trauma and larger wounds.
Another type of graft is an allograft. An allograft, is a graft harvested from another human, typically a placental or amniotic tissue graft that has been donated. This tissue is processed in a sterile fashion and removed of harmful contaminants to be applied to a lower extremity wound.
Finally, xenografts are another tool for complex wounds. Xenografts are made of collagens and other essential growth factors necessary to heal wound from a different species, typically an animal, such as a pig or cow.
This Year, Some Diabetic Patients Will Lose The Use Of Their Legs
Problems As Serious As Gangrene Threaten Diabetic Patients
“Surely,” you may be thinking, “No one would let their feet become so neglected that they risk developing a very serious medical problem.”
The answer for most patients is “Of course not.” Most people who are afflicted with sores that won’t heal or wounds that become infected seek prompt medical attention.
But diabetic patients are different. Diabetics often do not know that their limbs are in trouble. Trivial problems such as corns, calluses, toenails and blisters can quickly become serious. Diabetic patients also have a high incidence of developing ulcers, seriously dry or infected skin, and even gangrene.
There Are Several Reasons For This
Circulation problems:
Circulation problems: Your blood is composed of white cells, red cells and plasma which are essential for healing. When blood flow to your legs and feet is lessened (as it is in all diabetics), your ability to heal is dramatically reduced. This is how small problems like a blister can quickly become serious.
Overly dry skin:
Overly dry skin: Circulation problems and nerve damage both cause dry skin. For diabetic patients, this poses a particular problem because overly dry skin will develop tiny cracks; and you risk infection.
Nerve damage:
Nerve damage: Diabetes frequently damages the nerves in your feet that respond to pain. Thus, you aren’t as sensitive to pain as other people may be, and you often will not feel the discomfort of a beginning foot problem. Motor nerve damage may also cause your muscles to weaken or shrink, thereby promoting foot deformities such as hammertoes or clawfoot.
Loss of vision:
Loss of vision: Diabetics frequently cannot see as well as they once could. Thus, it is recommended that you go to a professional for routine nail care, paring of corns, calluses, etc.
Helpful Tips For At-Home Foot Care
Here’s what you should do:
- Wear comfortable shoes: Well-fitting shoes will protect your feet from injuries and prevent corns and calluses. Avoid walking bare-foot, even at home, to reduce the risk of splinters.
- Change socks often: Make sure your socks are made of absorbent, nonbonding material. You should be especially aware of holes, as this leaves your foot exposed to injury.
- Practice daily grooming: Carefully inspect your feet once a day for redness, blisters or irritation. Use a mirror, if you need to. Also, do not try to pare corns, calluses or toenails yourself.
- Use a moisturizing lotion: By using foot lotion daily, you will keep your skin from becoming dangerously cracked.
- Follow your doctor’s advice: Watch your diet and follow your physician’s advice. You are normal if you feel frustrated by these restrictions; but, by getting into normal health care routines, you can keep your spirits up — and remain healthy!
When To Consult Your Podiatrist
- Toenail changes
- Bunions
- Corns or calluses
- Hammertoes
- A red or irritated spot
- Ulcer, blister or infection
- Dry or cracked skin
- Any difficulty with grooming
Many of these problems can be remedied without surgery. State- of-the-art advances permit your podiatrist to monitor circulation; treat fungus nails, callus formation, chronic dry skin and poor circulation; and to medically or surgically correct problems if necessary.
Surgery Can Be Safely Performed
If you or a loved one is in need of wound care and treatment services, please do not hesitate to contact us at All South Bay Footcare. We would be more than happy to help you through this difficult time.
