Wound Care

When you have a sports injury, diabetic foot complications, or traumatic injury that causes a serious, slow-healing wound, you need specialized care from board-certified podiatrist Angelo Morreale, DPM, at The Foot Institute in Shreveport and Natchitoches, Louisiana. Dr. Morreale has more than three decades of specialized experience treating wounds, and he's ready to help you. Call The Foot Institute or click the online scheduler to book your wound care appointment.

What is wound care?

Wound care refers to procedures to treat slow-healing or nonhealing skin injuries such as cuts, sores, blisters, and punctures. At The Foot Institute, Dr. Morreale uses cutting-edge treatments to fix the underlying problem, start the healing process, and prevent wounds from worsening. 

A foot wound that grows infected and moves deeper into your body can potentially destroy both tissue and bone. Ultimately, severe foot wounds can lead to amputation if not treated. 

Dr. Morreale uses a variety of wound healing protocols to help you avoid limb loss and disability.

What does wound care involve?

Wound care procedures vary by patient. Dr. Morreale performs a comprehensive clinical exam and reviews your medical history with you to determine the ideal treatment course. Your wound care may include:

• Topical medication such as antibiotics to treat infections
• Oral medication like antibiotics and anti-inflammatories
• Bandage application
• Debriding, the removal of necrotic (dead) skin around the wound
• Skin grafts to replace lost skin and encourage healing
• Cast, brace, or custom orthotics to take the pressure off your wound
  
  

If you need to change bandages between appointments at The Foot Institute, Dr. Morreale demonstrates the ideal wound care techniques so you know exactly what to do. 

What types of wounds require special care?

A wound that doesn't heal properly is much more than just a laceration, puncture, cut, or blister. For some patients, particularly those with a weak immune system or vascular system problems, a foot wound of any size can be dangerous.

At The Foot Institute, Dr. Morreale treats nonhealing and slow-healing foot wounds of many types, including:

• Diabetic foot wounds
• Sports injury wounds
• Pressure wounds
• Accidental wounds, like stepping on a nail
• Post-surgical wounds
  
  

It's particularly important to treat a wound that's showing signs of infection, such as feeling hot, oozing pus or blood, or swelling significantly. All wounds require attention if you have a vascular or immune condition. 

Wound care at The Foot Institute can minimize wound damage and speed up your healing so you can avoid amputation and disability. Dr. Morreale is waiting to help, so call the location nearest you or book an appointment using the online scheduler.