A wound is an injury to living tissue in the body. A skin wound occurs when it opens, cracks, tears or ruptures. The skin is the largest organ in the body and its main purpose is to protect internal organs and tissues. The skin is subjected to the elements and to friction and pressure during gait. When an opening in the skin occurs, infection can easily result. The type of wound depends on the cause and early treatment is crucial to prevent worsening and serious complications.
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Symptoms
A wound on the bottom of the foot will be superficial at first, but can quickly worsen becoming a deep opening or hole. Callus around the wound is typical on this area of the foot, from pressure and friction. A wound may ooze fluid such as blood, clear fluid or pus. A wound is sometimes painful, but if sensation and feeling on the bottom of feet is reduced or absent, a person may not even know they have a wound in the first place. Redness, swelling, increased temperature of the surrounding skin and the presence of a foul smell are signs of infection. If infection is left untreated, fever and flu-like symptoms may be experienced.
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Causes
The most common skin wound is a skin ulcer. A skin ulcer is an open sore associated with poor blood flow, injury and pressure. The bottom of the foot endures body weight, pressure and friction when walking and if protective sensation is less than optimal, wounds can develop quickly. One of the complications of diabetes is peripheral neuropathy. This can significantly reduce a person’s ability to sense injury and pain. If an area on the bottom of the foot has an excessive amount of pressure, skin is at great risk of cracks, tears and ruptures.
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Treatment
Wounds require prompt assessment and treatment from a BioPed clinician and a primary care professional. Wounds must be treated to promote healing and monitored closely to prevent worsening and complications that can be serious and even limb and life threatening. Treatment of wounds typically involves debridement or removing dead tissue and callus that impedes proper healing. Medicated topicals and dressings applied directly to the wound treat and prevent infection and encourage healthy tissue growth. Wound healing must occur from the inside out. Offloading high pressure areas with orthotics and footwear is imperative.
