Ulcer wounds can be a painful and recurrent problem if not treated properly. At Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago, the experienced team of physicians offers on-site diagnostic testing and comprehensive treatments for ulcer wounds that develop due to diabetes, trauma, or other health conditions. Customized treatment plans ensure you receive care tailored to your needs to prevent new ulcer wounds from developing in the future. Find out more about treatment options for ulcer wounds by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.

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What is an ulcer wound?

An ulcer wound is an open sore that develops on the skin. Typically, this type of wound forms in a circular pattern where the middle of the wound is raw and exposed.

Ulcer wounds occur when tissue is damaged by trauma from an injury or persistent pressure from ill-fitting shoes. You may be at increased risk for developing ulcer wounds due to aging or an underlying medical condition that causes poor blood circulation, such as diabetes.

What are the symptoms of an ulcer wound?

Ulcer wounds typically begin gradually and worsen over time without proper treatment. Initially, you may notice a depression forming in your skin which may have discharge that is clear in color or bloody. If the wound becomes infected, pus may flow out of the wound.

The border of the wound often becomes inflamed and painful. Skin around the border may become thick. In some cases, the areas in and around the wound can turn black if the tissue begins to break down and die.

Other symptoms of an ulcer wound include:

  • Pain
  • Itching
  • Burning
  • Discoloration

It’s important to have an evaluation of any changes in your skin as soon as possible to prevent infection and tissue death.

What treatments are available for ulcer wounds?

Your Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists provider can often diagnose ulcer wounds after a physical exam of your skin. They can create a treatment plan to address the wound and prevent infection.

In the early stages of an ulcer wound, your physician may apply a clean dressing to protect your skin from debris. They may also recommend topical or oral medication to prevent infection and monitor your healing through follow-up appointments.

For more serious wounds, your Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists provider may also need to remove dead tissue to improve your healing process.

In addition to treating the ulcer wound, your physician may also address the root cause of your ulcer. If you developed your wound due to poor blood circulation, they may recommend exercises to improve blood flow and the use of compression stockings to prevent recurrent ulcers from developing.

Don’t delay treatment for wound ulcers. With early intervention, you can recover faster and more efficiently. Schedule an ulcer wound evaluation today using the convenient online booking feature or by calling the office.