Wound & Ulcer Treatment

Wound and ulcer treatment addresses open sores or slow-healing wounds on the foot, most often affecting patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation. Left unmanaged, these wounds can progress to serious infection, which is why prompt, consistent care at Emerald Hill Podiatry is central to protecting both the foot and the patient’s long-term health.

This page covers what causes foot wounds and ulcers, how we treat them, and how to prevent recurrence.

What Is Wound and Ulcer Treatment?

Wound and ulcer treatment covers the ongoing care of open sores on the foot, typically involving assessment, cleaning, debridement, dressing, and pressure offloading to support healing. Because these wounds often occur in patients with underlying circulation or nerve issues, treatment isn’t a single procedure but a managed process that continues until the wound has fully closed.

Common Causes

Diabetes, particularly with peripheral neuropathy or poor circulation
Pressure from footwear or repetitive friction over a bony area
Minor injuries or cuts that go unnoticed due to reduced sensation
Poor circulation from vascular disease, slowing the body's natural healing response
Prolonged pressure from immobility or poorly fitted footwear

How We Treat It

Treatment begins with a thorough assessment of the wound’s depth, size, and any signs of infection. Dead or non-viable tissue is removed through debridement to allow healthy tissue to heal, the wound is cleaned and dressed appropriately, and pressure is offloaded from the area using padding, custom orthotics, or specialised footwear.

Where infection is present, this is managed promptly, with referral to other healthcare providers coordinated as needed.

Prevention and Ongoing Care

Once a wound has healed, preventing recurrence is just as important as the treatment itself. This includes regular foot screening to catch new risk areas early, daily self-checks at home, appropriate footwear, and managing underlying conditions such as blood sugar levels and circulation that affect how well the skin holds up over time.

Heal Your Wound the Right Way

We provide ongoing wound and ulcer management including debridement, dressing, and offloading, alongside diabetic foot screening to catch problems before they become wounds. Each patient is followed closely until the wound is fully healed.