Pressure Ulcers Care in Dallas
What are Pressure Ulcers?
When an area of the foot or ankle is subjected to continued friction or pressure, a pressure ulcer can develop. Pressure ulcers will vary from a simple red spot to a severe stage in which there is damage in the tissue and bone. Dr. Legel and the team at Advanced Foot and Ankle Care Specialists in Dallas have substantial experience and advanced wound care training to properly treat all sorts of pressure ulcers.
Causes of Pressure Ulcers
Unrelieved pressure to an area on the foot or ankle is the most common cause of this type of wound on the foot or ankle. Because of the consistent weight pressing down on one concentrated area, blood flow is restricted, which in turn causes damage to the skin and deeper tissue of the foot. Other factors that can lead to pressure ulcers are:
- Poor Nutrition
- Poor Health
- Excessive Moisture on the Skin for a Long Period of Time
Pressure Ulcer Stages
To help determine the scope of damage caused by pressure ulcers, they are categorized into four stages. If you have any signs of these four stages, see Dr. Legel and his team for a thorough examination. The four stages are:
- Stage 1 – The ulcer appears red and stays red when touched.
- Stage 2 – The skin is broken and the ulcer looks like a small crater.
- Stage 3 – The ulcer is deep and tissue is yellowish in color.
- Stage 4 – Damage from the ulcer is now in the bone. Muscles or tendons may be exposed.
Treating Pressure Ulcers
Left untreated, pressure ulcers can cause infection of the blood known as sepsis, infection of the bone, infection in the joints and even death. Based upon a thorough examination, Dr. Legel can advise the best course in treating a pressure ulcer. Using advanced medical techniques, Dr. Legel and his team has the expertise and experience in treating and managing pressure ulcers.
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an appointment with our wound care specialist, call our Dallas podiatry clinic at (214) 366-4600. You can also use our convenient online contact form located at the top of this page.