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Suggest Treatment For Unhealed Deep Wound On Foot Despite Surgical Debridement

Posted on Mon, 16 Mar 2015

Question: i had midfoot fusion surgery in December 2014. I now have a huge deep wound that won't heal on top of my foot ( from blisters, etc and turned into a deep wound). I had surgical debridement 3 weeks ago and Integra was used for graft. Still not healing. Now Podiatrist is talking about doing another surgical debridement? is this normal to take so long to heal and to do a 2nd debridement in the hospital?
thanks
KT

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No, its not normal for any wound to heal so long.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Can you please attach a photo of this wound so I can give more precise answer.

Main reasons for bad wound healing on feet are diabetes, narrow arteries (atherosclerosis) or veins insufficiency. Infection can also cause bad wound healing.
Proper blood circulation is very important for wound healing. Without it, no matter what you do, wound can not get healed.
Diabetes destroys small blood vessels. Narrow arteries do not give proper blood supply. Veins insufficiency impede blood flow through veins.

So it seems to be reasonable to check for mentioned reasons. I suggest you to have blood sugar level checked. Dopplers veins and arteries ultrasound should be done to see vessels condition. Swab test from the wound should be also taken.

It is not normal for any wound to heal so long.

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (3 minutes later)

I am diabetic.

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The wound looks clean. Diabetes can be the main problem.

Detailed Answer:
Well, this looks clean. Debridement is not necessary right now.
Your foot is swollen, what might indicate venous problem.
Blood sugar levels must be constantly in referential ranges if you want to get it healed.
Dopplers veins and arteries ultrasound should be done as well. If veins insufficiency is also present, compression stockings can help with healing.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (1 minute later)

ok, thanks,
so my podiatrist is mainly on track so far.
appreciate your help.

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Yes, he seems to be. Get good blood sugar level control. This is the key.

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar