Ulcers and Wounds

What are foot ulcers and wounds?

A foot ulcer is a break in the skin that is slow to heal, while a wound is any injury to the skin's surface — and on the feet, both can be slow to recover and prone to infection if not managed properly. Our podiatry team at Blueprint Podiatry can assess, diagnose and help manage many kinds of foot wounds and ulcers, and guide you (or refer you) toward the right level of care.

What causes foot ulcers and wounds?

Foot wounds and ulcers can develop from a range of issues, including:

• Trauma or injury to the foot
• Pressure-related damage, such as from poorly fitting footwear
• Pressure from thickened or ingrown nails
• Poor circulation
• Reduced sensation (neuropathy)
• Complications associated with diabetes

Because the feet carry your body weight all day, even a small wound can be aggravated and struggle to heal. In people living with diabetes or reduced circulation, what begins as a minor blister or rub can become a more serious problem, which is why early attention matters [1].

What are the symptoms to watch for?

Signs that a foot wound or ulcer needs professional attention may include:

• A sore, blister or break in the skin that isn't healing
• Redness, swelling, warmth or increasing pain around the area
• Discharge, odour or any sign of infection
• A wound over a pressure point or under a callus
• Numbness or tingling that means you may not feel an injury

How does Blueprint Podiatry assess and treat ulcers and wounds?

Our three registered podiatrists each hold a Bachelor of Podiatry, and our team brings genuine experience in foot health, pressure offloading and footwear assessment. When you visit, we'll examine the wound, look for contributing factors (such as footwear, pressure points, nail problems or circulation concerns), and discuss a management plan tailored to you.

Minor wounds and ulcers can be managed here at our Tuggerah clinic. This may include cleaning and dressing the area, reducing pressure or friction (offloading), addressing the underlying cause such as thickened nails or footwear, and monitoring healing over time. Because we design and 3D-print custom orthotics in-house, we can also help redistribute pressure away from vulnerable areas where appropriate.

More chronic, complex or high-risk wounds are best supported by specialised wound clinics or community nursing — particularly for patients who find regular attendance difficult — and we'll help coordinate that referral so you receive the right care. Preventing recurrence is just as important as healing, as ulcers can return without ongoing care and offloading [2].

We also support diabetic foot care, DVA and workers compensation patients.

When should you seek help?

Don't wait. If you have a wound that isn't healing, signs of infection, or you live with diabetes or poor circulation, please book in promptly. Early management gives the best chance of a smooth recovery.

Related services

• Wound Management
• Diabetic Foot Care