Diabetic Foot Ulcer & Wound Care in Marietta, GA

A wound on the foot or lower leg deserves a closer look if it is not improving, is getting bigger, or has not responded to basic home care — especially if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or another condition that slows healing. Drainage, an unusual odor, redness spreading beyond the wound, or a change in the color of the skin or tissue are also reasons to be seen rather than continue treating it yourself.

When to go to urgent care or the ER instead

Some symptoms need urgent, same-day medical attention rather than a scheduled podiatry visit. Go to urgent care or the emergency room if you notice redness that is spreading quickly, a fever or chills, black or dead-looking tissue, severe pain, or a wound that is clearly getting worse very quickly. These can be signs of a serious infection, and prompt emergency care is safer than waiting for an office appointment.

Why diabetic foot wounds heal slowly

Diabetes can affect wound healing in several ways. Peripheral neuropathy can reduce feeling in the foot, so an injury may go unnoticed until it has already become a wound. Reduced circulation limits how well oxygen and nutrients reach the area, and ongoing pressure from standing or walking on the wound — often without realizing it — can keep reopening it. Our guide to diabetic peripheral neuropathy covers how nerve damage affects the feet in more detail.

What happens at your wound care visit

Your visit starts with a hands-on evaluation of the wound, the skin and tissue around it, and your circulation. Dr. Iwu also reviews your overall health, including how diabetes or other conditions are being managed, since that shapes the treatment plan. If the wound has dead or damaged tissue, debridement may be performed — this simply means carefully removing that tissue so the healthy tissue underneath has a better chance to heal. The area is then cleaned and dressed, and you will leave with clear instructions for caring for it at home.

Treatments we use

• Advanced dressings and topical therapy to support the wound environment
• Antibiotics when there are signs of infection
• Offloading and pressure relief with specialized footwear, orthotics, or a cast, to keep weight off the wound while it heals
• Regenerative injections, which may be considered to help support tissue repair
• Ongoing monitoring so your plan can be adjusted based on how the wound responds

Your specific plan depends on the type, size, and cause of the wound, along with your overall health. Dr. Iwu will walk you through what she recommends and why.

Preventing the next wound

Once a wound has healed, the next goal is keeping a new one from starting. For patients with diabetes or reduced sensation, that usually means checking the feet every day for redness, cuts, blisters, or changes in temperature or color, often before you can feel a problem. Our guide to daily diabetic foot checks walks through what to look for and how to build the habit.

Seeing us quickly

A wound that is getting worse cannot always wait for the next open slot on the calendar. Same-day appointments may be available when Dr. Iwu is in the office, so call ahead if you are concerned about a new or worsening wound. We also see patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors, so the whole family can be cared for at the same practice.

For referring physicians and care teams

Choice Podiatry Center welcomes referrals for diabetic foot ulcers and other slow-healing foot and lower-leg wounds. Call (770) 702-8723 or fax a referral to (770) 702-8809, and our team will coordinate scheduling. We will keep the referring provider updated on the patient's evaluation and treatment plan.

Insurance and booking in Marietta

Choice Podiatry Center accepts UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, Anthem, Aetna, and CareSource. Coverage varies by plan, so confirm your specific benefits with your insurer and our office.

For foot or lower-leg wound care in Cobb County, request an appointment online or call (770) 702-8723. The office is at 540 Powder Springs St SW, Suite B6, Marietta, GA 30064.