Every now and then, cuts and scrapes happen to us all. We use our feet and ankles often, making them particularly prone to damage. Additionally, they are on or close to the dirtier ground.
Many foot wounds are small and simple to treat. However, you shouldn't ignore anything that tears or damages the skin because even the smallest scrape can result in infection.
Here are some solutions for common foot wounds and other issues.
CUTS, SCRAPES, SORES
Cuts
There are numerous ways for feet to sustain cuts, including walking on a foreign object, running into something, or dropping something sharp. Make sure to adequately sterilize the wound and wrap it to promote healing if you cut your foot.
Scrapes
Like cuts, scrapes are another typical foot wound that can deteriorate if left untreated. Anything from a sharp object to a pet inside your home can cause scrapes. To make sure that scrapes are healing properly, keep an eye on them.
Sores
On your feet, sores are highly prevalent and can take a very long time to cure if they are not treated right away, whether they are blisters or cuts that have not yet healed. It's crucial to thoroughly clean, bandage, and treat any infections on your sore.
Possible solutions
The best way to treat cuts on the foot is to thoroughly clean the area with an antibacterial soap before applying an antiseptic. Until a scab has formed completely, which typically takes several days, the cut should be kept covered with sterile gauze dressing. If the wound is severely bleeding, elevate the leg and press firmly with gauze on the wound for about 20 minutes. This aids in reducing the bleeding's speed until it eventually stops.
It is most likely infected if you have a cut or sore on your foot that is red, swollen, and has fluid pouring from it. First, soak the area in warm water containing two tablespoons of table salt added to each gallon of water for 20 minutes. Four to six times a day, repeat this procedure. Between soaks, keep the area covered
with sterile gauze. To get the infection under control, seek immediate medical attention from the foot and ankle specialists if you notice that the condition has not improved after one day, if you notice any red streaks running up your foot or leg, or if you notice any soreness behind the knee and/or in your groin.
SPRAINS AND FRACTURES
Sprains
Sprains are most common in the ankles since even the slightest irregularity in the ground might result in this painful injury. Depending on the severity, sprains frequently require some time to recover entirely, thus it's critical to maintain stability throughout this period.
Fractures
Fractures can range in complexity from simple to complex, and the treatment and recovery time will depend on the severity of the fracture. Perform the necessary first aid and visit your foot doctor right away if you think you may have fractured a bone in your foot or ankle.
Treating Sprains, Fractures, And Breaks
Sprains, fractures, and breaks to the foot are all treated in a similar manner.
When you suffer a foot or ankle injury, remember to R.I.C.E. – rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
Never use heat on a wound for at least 36 hours following the damage.
It's critical to immobilize the affected area if you think you may have broken a bone in your foot or ankle to stop any potential future harm.
Your local podiatrist's examination and X-rays will help establish the appropriate course of action.