Your feet are susceptible to many different types of wounds and injuries that require first aid treatments to prevent infection and further injury. Proper first aid for feet, or any other part of the body, can greatly reduce the risk of a small problem becoming much worse.

At A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center, our foot doctors are here to assist you with any type of foot or ankle wound, from walking you through first aid procedures to caring for more serious injuries. Call your local podiatrist at one of our A Step Ahead Foot & Ankles Centers today for all your foot problems!

Common Foot Wounds

Injuries to your foot or ankle are frequent and common. They range from stubbing a toe to fracturing an ankle. It is important to understand each type of foot wound so that you can perform proper first aid. Below are a few of the most common types of foot wounds. Call A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center today with any questions or concerns!

Cuts

Feet can obtain cuts from a number of things, such as dropping something sharp, running into an object, or stepping on a foreign object. When you get a cut on your foot, be sure that you properly sterilize the wound and bandage it to heal.

Burns

Many times when hot liquids spill, your feet end up getting burned. Due to the constant use of your feet, burns can be extremely painful. It is important to properly care for minor burns, and to see your foot doctor for any major burns.

Foreign Objects

Since we are constantly walking around on our feet, it isn’t rare to step on a foreign object that penetrates the skin and causes a wound on your foot. If this happens, it is important to properly remove the object and care for the wound.

Scrapes

Much like cuts, scrapes are another common foot wound that can become worse if not taken care of. Scrapes can be caused by anything from a sharp object to a pet within your home. Monitor scrapes to ensure that they are healing properly.

Bruises

Rather than getting a cut or scrape on your foot when something is dropped on it or walked into, you may just get a bruise. While bruises are normally very minor and heal quickly, it is vital that you monitor the bruise to ensure proper circulation.

Fractures

Fractures can vary from simple to complex, and the severity of it will determine the treatment and recovery time. If you believe that you’ve fractured a bone in your foot or ankle, perform proper first aid and see your foot doctor immediately.

Sores

Whether it be a blister or an unhealed cut, sores are extremely common on your feet and can take a long time to heal if not attended to immediately. It is important that you clean and bandage your sore properly, as well as treat any infections.

Sprains

Ankles are the most vulnerable to sprains as it takes the slightest uneven ground to cause this painful injury. Sprains often take a little while to heal completely, depending on the severity, so it is important to keep it stabilized during this time.

Breaks

With 26 small bones in your foot and three major bones in your ankle, broken bones in the foot are quite common. While some breaks such as a broken toe can be fairly minor, a major break needs medical attention from your foot doctor.

If you have a cut or sore on your foot that is red, swollen, and has liquids draining out of it, then it is most likely infected. First, soak the area for 20 minutes in warm water with two tablespoons of Epsom salts or table salt added per gallon of water. Repeat this treatment frequently, four to six times a day. Keep the area covered with sterile gauze between soaks. If you find that the condition is not improving after one day, if you see any red streaks going up the foot or leg, or if you have any soreness behind the knee and/or groin area, seek professional attention immediately from the foot and ankle specialists at A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center to get the infection under control. Infections are a serious matter, and should be dealt with promptly. Failure to have proper treatment of a minor infection may allow it to develop into a life-threatening situation. Call us today if you have a cut or sore that is not healing!

Treating Sprains, Fractures, and Breaks

Foot injuries such as sprains, fractures, and breaks are all treated similarly. Whenever you sustain an injury to your foot or ankle, think R.I.C.E. — rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Never apply heat to an injury for at least 36 hours after the injury occurs.

If you suspect you have broken a bone in your foot or ankle, it is important that the injured spot be immobilized to prevent any possible further damage. Examination by your local podiatrist and x-rays will help determine the necessary treatment. Call A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center today if you believe you may have broken or fractured a bone in your foot or ankle!

Treating Minor Burns

Burns always require special first aid care. When you receive a minor burn on your feet, cool the effected area with a cold cloth or water. This will help to remove the heat from the skin and prevent it from burning any further. Once cooled, wash your foot with soap and water to clean the effected area. After cleaning, dress the burn with a light bandage to protect the wound — allowing it to heal. Be cautious of any blisters caused by the burn, and make sure to leave them alone to help the healing process. Make sure that you change the dressing often, and watch for any signs of infection. Call our team at A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center today with any questions or concerns

Tips For Proper Wound Care

There are a few things that can help care for a foot wound as well as encourage proper and quick recovery times. Below, you will find some tips to assist you in proper wound care for future foot and ankle injuries. If you are not sure how to care for a specific foot wound, call one of our A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Centers for assistance or to book an appointment!

• Blood Isn’t Bad

  • When you cut your foot or step on a foreign object, it is good for it to bleed a little to help extract the object and clean the wound.

• Clean Immediately

  • When you receive a wound on your foot, gently clean the area immediately with soap and water to remove any dirt and debris.

• Apply Antibiotic Ointment/Cream

  • After cleaning the wound, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment or cream to the area to keep it moist and prevent infection.

• Cover With A Bandage

  • To protect the wound from bacteria or further injury, place an appropriately-sized bandage over the wound — changing daily.

• Protect Scabs

  • Scabs are the body's natural bandage to protect a wound until it is fully healed. Be sure to avoid picking them or tearing them off.

• Look For Signs Of Infections

  • Open cuts and sores on your feet can easily get infected. Keep an eye out for signs of infection to avoid additional foot problems.

• Watch For Allergies

  • When applying creams, ointments, and bandages to a foot wound, watch out for allergic reactions that may be caused by them.

• Contact Your Foot Doctor

  • ​The severity of a foot wound is oftentimes difficult to determine. It is best to always contact your foot doctor for assistance.

A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center

The physicians and staff of the A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Centers maintain two complete podiatric clinical facilities, and provide 24-hour emergency service for foot and ankle injuries. We participate in most health plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, and Medicaid. We complete and file all necessary insurance forms for you, and make every effort to assure you receive maximum benefits with minimum out-of-pocket expenses.

Call A Step Ahead Foot and Ankle Center today in Fort Collins, Loveland, or Cheyenne with any questions or concerns about first aid for your feet and ankles!