When should I seek foot or ankle wound care?

If you’re healthy, foot and ankle wounds usually heal fairly rapidly. But, if you notice that your foot or ankle wound is healing slowly, not healing at all, or growing worse, it’s time to seek foot and ankle care.

If a closed wound breaks open, especially repeatedly, you should see a podiatrist right away to prevent a serious ulcer. If you notice skin discoloration, warmth, discharge, or serious pain around a foot or ankle wound, seek care right away. Often, these signs indicate infection.