Most of us know how painful a papercut can be but imagine having a large one on your foot harming your quality of life. Foot lesions are abnormal changes in the skin of the foot, sometimes accompanied by ulcers that appear as shallow or deep craters on the skin's surface. Foot lesions are dangerous because they can travel as deep as tendons, bones, and other structures, posing an infection risk when left untreated.
If you notice lesions on the legs, ankles, or feet that have raised concern, consult with Dr. Laura Michetti at First Choice Podiatry. Dr. Michetti will perform several tests to evaluate and treat foot lesions including swabbing the lesion for further analysis. She may also suggest x-rays to detect damage, check blood sugar levels, study your foot sensation, and biopsy abnormal-looking tissue.
Foot Lesions: Explained
Dr. Michetti recommends checking for foot lesions daily, especially if you have or are at risk of having diabetes. It's also essential to prevent foot lesions by keeping your feet clean by washing them with mild soap and warm water regularly and thoroughly drying them between the toes. Additional protection from foot lesions includes wearing soft, absorbent socks with shoes that fit properly. If you have peripheral neuropathy, redness, swelling, bleeding, or blisters on your feet, you should see Dr. Michetti to avoid this condition. Treatment for foot lesions in Annapolis, MD, depend on the severity but may include antibiotics, dressing the wound, or surgery to improve foot circulation.
Medical Attention for Foot Lesions
Seek medical attention for foot lesions as soon as you notice infection (tenderness or hotness to touch), if you can't put weight on your foot, have severe pain or swelling, an open foot wound oozing pus, or a wound that isn't healing. People with diabetes or poor foot circulation have an increased risk of developing foot lesions, which is why it's beneficial to have a podiatrist as your first line of defense in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diabetic-related foot conditions.