What You Should Know About a Pressure Ulcer of the Foot

If you or a loved one has ever dealt with a sore on the foot that just won’t heal, you already know how frustrating — and sometimes scary — it can be. A pressure ulcer of foot is one of the most common wounds we see in our office. These ulcers usually show up on the heel or side of the foot, and while they may start small, they can quickly turn into something more serious if ignored.

At Foot and Ankle of the West, we’ve treated many patients with pressure ulcers. What we’ve learned is this: the earlier you catch it, the easier it is to heal.

How Do These Ulcers Happen?

Most pressure ulcers form because of constant stress on one part of the foot. For example, a patient recovering from surgery might spend a lot of time in bed, putting weight on the heels. Others may have diabetes or nerve damage, which means they don’t feel the warning signs of pressure or rubbing from a shoe.

Without enough blood flow or sensation, the skin breaks down, and that’s when a pressure ulcer of foot starts to form. What begins as redness or irritation can turn into an open sore that becomes harder to treat the longer it goes untreated.

Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Here’s what we tell our patients to look out for:

• A spot on the foot that stays red or warm, even when pressure is removed.

• Tenderness, pain, or, for some patients with neuropathy, numbness.

• Blisters that break open and don’t heal.

• An open sore that looks deeper over time.

If you notice any of these changes, it’s time to come see us. Many patients wait too long, thinking it will heal on its own, and that delay can make things worse.

How We Treat It

Every case is different, but treatment often includes:

• Cleaning the wound and applying special dressings to protect it.

• Taking pressure off the area with padding, custom shoes, or braces.

• Removing dead tissue so healthy skin can grow back.

• Prescribing antibiotics if infection sets in.

• Helping improve circulation when blood flow is an issue.

Our approach is not just about healing the ulcer you have now — it’s also about making sure another one doesn’t form later.

Preventing Future Ulcers

Prevention is always better than treatment. Some of the advice we give patients includes:

• Check your feet every day — especially if you have diabetes.

• Wear shoes that fit comfortably and don’t rub.

• Keep your feet clean and dry, but don’t forget to moisturize the skin.

• If you sit or lie down for long periods, change your position often.

• Schedule regular foot exams so small problems don’t become big ones.

Final Thought

A pressure ulcer of foot may sound like a small issue, but it can have a big impact on your health and independence if it’s not addressed early. The good news? With the right care and attention, most patients heal and return to their normal routines.

At Foot and Ankle of the West, we’re here to guide you every step of the way — from treatment to prevention. If you’ve noticed a sore that isn’t healing, don’t wait. Let’s take care of it together.

Contact Us

If you’re dealing with a sore on your foot or you’re worried about circulation and wound healing, we’d love to help. You can schedule an appointment with our specialists at Foot and Ankle of the West by visiting footandanklewest.com or giving us a call.

Your feet carry you through life — let’s make sure they stay healthy.