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Wound Care services offered in Chicago, IL
If you develop a diabetic ulcer or another slow-healing wound, it’s crucial to invest in professional wound care. Without treatment, you’re more likely to experience an infection or gangrene. At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, in Chicago, Illinois, experienced foot and ankle surgeon Stephanie Oexeman, DPM, provides individualized wound care to people ages 12 and older. Using advanced treatments, like biologics and surgical intervention, Dr. Oexeman can relieve pain and encourage your body’s healing process. To make an appointment with Dr. Oexeman at her office in Lincoln Park, call or book online today.
Wound Care Q & A
What is wound care?
Wound care is a podiatric specialty that diagnoses, treats, and prevents diabetic ulcers, arterial ulcers, and other open wounds. At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, Dr. Oexeman uses wound care to reduce the risk of potentially serious issues like infection and gangrene.
If an open wound develops on your feet, ankles, or toes, it’s vital to seek professional help. The sooner you receive treatment, the sooner you can take steps to feel better.
When should I consider wound care?
Make a wound care appointment at Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, if you develop an ulcer that’s surrounded by:
- Dry skin
- Cracked skin
- Scaly skin
- Redness
- A rash
That’s especially true if the wound gets bigger or affects your mobility.
What causes open wounds to form?
Various conditions cause open wounds to form, including:
- Neuropathy from diabetes
- Cellulitis (a bacterial infection)
- Poor circulation
- Trauma
- An abnormal gait
You might also experience an open wound due to friction caused by your skin rubbing against your socks or shoes.
What happens during a wound care appointment?
At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, a wound care appointment begins with a review of your medical records and a discussion of your symptoms, including when you first noticed the wound, if it responds to at-home treatment, and if it’s growing.
Next, Dr. Oexeman carefully examines your wound. During the exam, she assesses your wound’s size, location, and appearance. If she suspects you have an infection, she might also take a biopsy (skin sample) and send it to a laboratory for analysis.
After determining your wound’s type and underlying cause, Dr. Oexeman develops a custom treatment plan.
What does wound care involve?
At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, Dr. Oexeman offers several types of wound care. Depending on the location, size, and severity of the wound, she might recommend:
- Topical wound care
- Antibiotics
- Antiplatelet or anti-clotting medication
- Compression garments
- Advanced biologics
- Custom orthotics
- Non-surgical offloading (taking pressure off your foot)
- Elevation
- Debridement (removal of infected tissue)
If conservative treatments don’t provide lasting relief, Dr. Oexeman might recommend surgery. Dr. Oexeman has extensive training in various procedures, including reconstructive surgery with skin grafts.
To explore the benefits of wound care, make an appointment at Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, by calling the office or booking online today.