The first principle of wound care is accurate diagnosis. A wound is not simply a wound — its cause, depth, location, and the patient's overall health status all profoundly affect treatment. We carefully evaluate every wound to identify the underlying cause, assess the patient's circulation and sensation, look for signs of infection, and determine whether deeper structures such as tendon or bone are involved. When appropriate, we order vascular studies, imaging, laboratory tests, and tissue cultures to guide treatment. We coordinate with vascular specialists, infectious disease physicians, endocrinologists, and primary care providers to address every factor affecting healing.

Modern wound care employs a wide range of advanced therapies. Debridement, the removal of dead and unhealthy tissue, is performed regularly and is essential to allow healthy tissue to grow. We may use sharp debridement with sterile instruments, enzymatic agents, or other techniques depending on the wound and the patient. Specialized wound dressings are tailored to each wound's specific needs and may include hydrocolloids, alginates, foams, antimicrobial dressings, collagen products, growth factor preparations, and skin substitutes. Negative pressure wound therapy, which uses controlled suction to promote healing, can be transformative for certain wounds.

Offloading, or relieving pressure from the wound, is critical for healing wounds on the foot. We use total contact casts, removable boots, custom shoes, and surgical correction of underlying deformities to take pressure off the wound. Compression therapy is essential for venous wounds. For wounds with poor circulation, we work closely with vascular specialists to restore blood flow through medical or surgical means.

Infection control is a constant priority. We watch carefully for signs of infection at every visit, prescribe targeted antibiotics when needed, and provide aggressive in-office treatment of any infected wound. For deep or complex infections, we coordinate with hospital specialists for advanced care.

Equally important is patient engagement. Wound healing depends on consistent care, good nutrition, blood sugar control for diabetic patients, smoking cessation, and prevention of new injuries. We educate patients and family members thoroughly, provide clear written instructions, and ensure that everyone involved understands the plan. Our commitment is unwavering: we work to heal every wound, save every limb, and help every patient return to the activities and quality of life they deserve.