Ulcers On Toes
Ulcers, or open wounds, can be painful and debilitating. If you suffer from non-healing ulcers on toes, Mubashar Choudry, MD, and his expert team have solutions at Washington Vascular Specialists, with locations in Takoma Park, Largo, and Frederick, Maryland. They offer advanced ulcer treatments to enhance healing and relieve your pain. Schedule an appointment with Washington Vascular Specialists by calling the office or using the online booking tool today.
Ulcers on Toes Q & A
What are ulcers on toes?
Toe ulcers are open sores or wounds that often return or don’t heal on their own over time. Ulcers on toes may develop because of uncontrolled diabetes or other chronic conditions. With proper treatment, you can experience healing and reduce the risk of serious complications.
What causes ulcers on toes?
Non-healing ulcers on your toes or ulcers that keep coming back might result from:
- Diabetes or renal failure
- Infections
- Poor circulation or arteriosclerosis
- Venous insufficiency
- Clotting disorders
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Inflammatory diseases
- Genetic factors
- Certain medications
To help prevent ulcers on the toes, don’t smoke, eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and properly manage diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions. Detecting and treating ulcers on toes early helps prevent infection and bigger, more severe ulcers.
How are toe ulcers diagnosed?
To diagnose toe ulcers, Dr. Choudry and his team review your medical history and examine your feet. They thoroughly evaluate wounds and might use X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or noninvasive vascular studies to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
It is estimated that approximately 15% of diabetic individuals will develop foot ulcers in their lifetime.
How are ulcers on toes treated?
To treat ulcers on the toes, your provider cleans your wounds thoroughly and applies bandages. They might recommend:
- Antibiotics
- Anti-clotting or other oral medications
- Topical medicines
- Chronic disease management
- Specialized ulcer dressings
- Compression stockings or wraps
- Orthotics
If you have venous insufficiency, peripheral artery disease, or another vascular disease, your provider might recommend minimally invasive endovascular procedures to improve blood flow in your feet and toes.
How should I care for my feet at home?
To care for toe ulcers at home, follow your provider’s instructions. Keep your wound clean and dry, change the dressings as directed, take medications as prescribed, and drink a lot of fluids.
Maintain a healthy weight, follow a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and get regular exercise. Wear comfortable shoes and compression wraps if your provider recommends it, and keep your toenails trimmed and clean.
Don’t let toe ulcers progress to serious complications. Request an appointment with Washington Vascular Specialists online or by calling the office today.