Advanced Wound Healing Institute

Types of Foot Wounds

Like it or not, you will inevitably get some sort of wound, whether you are active in sports or a couch potato, you will  surely get a scratch, splinter, nick or a cut from a variety of different objects, may it be sharp, blunt, rough, pointy or projectile.

What is a wound?

A wound is a type of injury causing damage or breakage on the surface of the skin. Foot wounds are especially common and must not be ignored as they have a high risk of infection. People with diabetes can face very serious consequences if these foot wounds do not heal properly.

Types of Wounds:

Avulsion – this is a type of injury when part of the skin is partially or completely torn away. These injures are commonly seen from serious trauma like vehicular accidents, gunshot wounds, or explosions. Expect the wound to bleed excessively.

Incision – This is a well-defined severing or clean cut caused by a razor-sharp edge like a blade or a knife. The deeper the incision the more profuse is the bleeding as more blood vessels could be directly cut across.

Laceration – the splitting of the skin by direct crushing or ripping blow of the trauma. This is a messy-looking wound that does not bleed as much compared to incised wounds but causes more damage to the surrounding tissues. This type of wound has ragged edges as well as bruising.

Puncture – these wounds are typically caused by a sharp stabbing object like from a nail or a knife. The wound may appear small when seen on the skin but may cause deep tissue damage.

Abrasions – these are commonly cause by friction when a body rubs or scrapes against rough objects or surfaces. Wounds of these kind are not deep but require cleaning to remove any debris from the wound to prevent infections.

Foot wounds, cuts, punctures, abrasions, etc are best treated by thoroughly cleaning the area with a mild antibacterial soap and applying a topical antiseptic. Keep the wound area clean to prevent infections. In case the bleeding does not stop or if it is a puncture wound, see your podiatrist immediately for evaluation and proper treatment.

For foot or leg wounds that are slow to heal or do not heal, seek professional treatment. Foot infections are a serious matter and should be seen by a podiatrist without delay. 

It is recommended to regularly see a podiatrist once or twice a year; whether or not you think you have a foot problem. A comprehensive foot examination will determine the risk factors that may result in foot ulcers or worse, consequent foot amputation.

If you develop a foot wound, have it checked immediately. Call your podiatrist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

For more information on diabetic foot ulcers, you may contact Advanced Wound Healing Institute at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT). Advanced Wound Healing Institute is part of Family Foot and Leg Center, P.A.