Pressure Ulcers

The DFW Wound Care Center wound specialist actively treats and manages pressure ulcers on the heel and ankle. A pressure ulcer, or decubitus ulcer, is created when an area of the foot has constant pressure placed on it. Pressure ulcers can range from simple red areas at the top of the skin to more severe damage in the bone and tissue. The wound specialists at DFW Wound Care Center have the skill and training needed to correctly treat and manage pressure ulcers on the heel and ankle.

Causes of Pressure Ulcers

The most common cause of pressure ulcers is long-term, unrelieved pressure on the heel or ankle. Constant pressure damages the skin and tissue by decreasing the blood flow to that area. Other causes can be poor nutrition, poor health and excess moisture against the skin.

Symptoms of Pressure Ulcers

If you have any signs of the four stages of pressure ulcers, seek immediate attention from a wound care specialist. Having any of the four stages is cause for concern. Other symptoms can be:

• Red mark that stays the same for some time
• Blister that worsens over time

Stages of Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers are categorized into four stages. These stages help to categorize the extent of the damage. The four stages are:

Stage 1 – The skin is intact but the ulcer appears red and does not lighten in color when touched.

Stage 2 – The skin is broken and the ulcer may appear as a shallow crater.

Stage 3 – The ulcer is now deep and the bottom may have dead tissue appearing  yellowish.

Stage 4 – There is excessive damage to the skin and the bone, muscles or tendons may be exposed.

Regardless of which stage you might have, please seek immediate attention from our wound care specialist.

Treatment Options for Pressure Ulcers

Treating pressure ulcers is vital because left untreated it can cause infection of the blood (sepsis), bone infections, joint infections and possibly death. The DFW Wound Care Center in Plano, Irving, and Lewisville offers advanced medical care for pressure ulcers. Some treatment options are:

• Laser Therapy
• Pressure Off-Loading Devices
• Debridement

Scheduling an Appointment

Our staff is currently accepting new patients for treating pressure ulcers. To schedule an appointment, contact us online or call us at 972-424-3505.