Skip to content

Wound Care in Brighton, MI

A foot or ankle ulcer is an open wound or sore that can develop from friction, foot deformities, ill-fitting footwear, trauma, or poor circulation. People with diabetes or neuropathy are especially vulnerable — their compromised immune systems and reduced healing ability make ulcers both more likely and more dangerous. Left untreated, an infected ulcer can progress to a life-threatening infection requiring amputation. If you suspect you have an ulcer on your foot, ankle, or lower leg, contact our office right away.

Schedule Online
1-810-227-3864
Foot and ankle trauma from fractures burns or lacerations

Wound Healing Stages

Wound healing occurs in three phases. The inflammatory phase begins immediately after injury — white blood cells arrive to fight infection and clear dead tissue. The proliferative phase follows over several weeks as new tissue forms and blood vessels grow to supply nutrients and oxygen. Finally, the remodeling phase can last months to a year as the new tissue strengthens and reorganizes.

When a wound gets stuck in one of the earlier phases, healing stalls. A wound stuck in the inflammatory phase can become chronic and non-healing; one stuck in the proliferative phase may produce excess scar tissue that impairs function. Dr. Castelein specializes in identifying and addressing these stalls to get the healing process back on track.

Goals of Wound Care

Our Approach

The goal is always to heal the wound as quickly and safely as possible — reducing the risk of infection, preserving limb function, and preventing amputation. Dr. Castelein stays current on the latest wound care advancements through ongoing education and training, using the best available products and techniques for each patient’s specific situation.

Wound Care Methods

Brighton Foot & Ankle's wound care approach includes a combination of the following strategies tailored to each patient's wound and needs:

  • Debridement: The process of removing dead or damaged tissue from the wound, which promotes the growth of new, healthy tissue
  • Offloading: Relieving pressure on the wound, by using specialized footwear or braces.
  • Deformity Correction: Often necessary for ulcers caused by foot deformities (such as bunions or hammertoes) as these deformities can cause pressure points that lead to ulcers.
  • Dressing Changes: Imperative to keep the wound clean and promote healing.
  • Infection Control: These measures are crucial to prevent the spread of bacteria and reduce the risk of infection to the wound.
  • Biologics: An additional approach to wound care which uses substances derived from living cells that can help to promote healing. Biologics can include growth factors, stem cells, and other specialized proteins that can aid in tissue regeneration and repair. Growth factors can stimulate the growth of new tissue and blood vessels, while stem cells can differentiate into different types of cells to help repair damaged tissue. Biologics are often used in combination with the other wound care strategies to promote faster and more complete healing.

In some cases, surgical debridement is performed in our operating room to provide a sterile environment for removing dead or infected tissue and preparing the wound for healing.

Follow-Up & Complications

Untreated foot and ankle ulcers can lead to severe infection, tissue death, and amputation — outcomes that are largely preventable with prompt and consistent care. Wound management is a multidisciplinary process, and Dr. Castelein works closely with other healthcare providers to coordinate comprehensive treatment.

For patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, follow-up care and annual comprehensive foot exams are essential. These exams assess sensation, circulation, and structural health to catch early warning signs before they become serious problems. Patients also receive ongoing education on daily foot self-inspection, proper hygiene, and footwear choices to stay ahead of potential complications.

Dealing With a Non-Healing Wound?

Diabetic wounds and foot ulcers require prompt professional care. The sooner you are seen the better the outcome. Book online or call us today for an evaluation in Brighton, MI.
Schedule Online
1-810-227-3864