Wound Care

Untreated wounds can be painful and cause complications. Fortunately, help is within reach at Southwest Foot & Ankle Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. Skilled podiatrist Petrina Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, offers comprehensive wound care services to maximize healing and reduce the risk of complications. Schedule a wound care evaluation by phone or request one online today.

What is wound care?

Wound care at Southwest Foot & Ankle Center involves caring for large, nonhealing, or severe wounds that need medical attention to heal properly. The practice offers an array of advanced wound care treatments to speed healing, reduce the risk of infection, and minimize scarring.

Who benefits from wound care?

You may be a candidate for wound care if you struggle with:

• Diabetic foot wounds
• Nerve damage
• Lacerations
• Puncture wounds
• Infections
• Non-healing wounds
• Large or painful wounds

Smaller wounds may heal on their own with at-home care, but significant foot and ankle wounds need medical intervention to maximize healing.

Is wound care right for me?

After discussing your symptoms and medical history, Dr. Lewis determines if you need medical wound care and which treatments are best for your personalized needs. She examines your wound and may recommend blood testing, nerve testing, imaging procedures, biopsy, or tissue swabs before making a final diagnosis and tailoring your treatment plan. 

Which wound care options are available?

Southwest Foot & Ankle Center offers numerous wound care treatments based on the type of wound and its severity. Dr. Lewis may suggest one or more of the following:

• Cleaning the wound
• Debridement
• Dressings 
• Oral medicines
• Topical medications
• Skin grafting
• Off-loading
• Stitches
• Custom orthotics 
• Activity modification
• Quitting smoking
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

She may suggest making healthy lifestyle changes to better control high blood sugar caused by diabetes, taking diabetes medicine if needed, or using special footwear or assisted devices during the healing process. Eat nutritious foods, get plenty of rest, and remain as active as possible.

How can I care for my wound at home?

It’s essential to take good care of your wounds at home to ensure optimal healing. Follow Dr. Lewis’s instructions by keeping the treatment area clean, changing dressings as needed, and taking medications as directed. Call the Southwest Foot & Ankle Center office at any time with questions or if you develop new symptoms. 

Schedule an appointment at Southwest Foot & Ankle Center by phone or request one online today to take advantage of the outstanding wound care services and determine which are best for you.