What is the best way to treat pressure or ulcer foot wounds?

Thanks to all of you for the great information about how to treat my husbands pressure wounds on his foot. Got him to the Wound Care Clinic the next day after my post. Thank goodness he said there was no infection. He cleaned the wounds, put on medicated pads then wrapped in gauze. We change bandages every day. Gave him ultra-soft fiber filled heel cushion to wear at night. Told us to buy an eggcrate mattress pad for our bed. I feel like now, we’ re on the right track to getting his wounds healed. I can’t tell each of you how much your caring has meant to me. At times you feel so alone fighting this unknown disease.
Any suggestions on what the best eggcrate mattress pad to buy.

I worked in LTC for almost 20 years as a Nurse Practitioner. I took care of a lot of residents with wounds, some pressure ulcers, some venous ulcers, and some arterial ulcers. The first thing that needs to be determined is what is causing the ulceration of the skin. If it is pressure, relief of the pressure is required, along with proper dressings, of which there are many. Venous ulcers can use a lot of the same dressings for treatment, but may also require additional types of treatment. Arterial ulcers also have different treatment. To get to my point, the first step is to have a specialist determine if the ulcers are pressure, venous, or arterial or a combination. Treatment will be determined from there. As others have told you, HHAs and Hospice frequently have RNs who are wound specialists. Best wishes and blessings on you and your husband of 70 years.

Cottie, you’ve received excellent advise here. I want to implore you to get him to doctor (even though it’s difficult.) These pressure points can turn into dangerous wounds quickly.

Does he have diabetes? I agree with Dee. These type of sores need to be looked at by a woundcare nurse. I would not try to heal them on my own. Gangrene can set in.

Have you informed his doctor about the wounds? If not he/she should be informed. Often "specialized" Wound Nurses are needed to help with the care of pressure sores.
Are his shoes the root of the problem? Or is how he sits and rests his legs?
Elevating the legs so the area does not rest on anything will help prevent more.
Is your husband on Hospice? (you can call and see if he would be eligible) Hospice does send out wound care nurses if that is necessary but many cases the weekly nurse and CNA will be able to help along with your care.
Make sure his socks are not tight.
When he sleeps make sure that the leg is elevated to take pressure off the side. If he is a side sleeper make sure that the other leg is not resting on the leg under it so there is less pressure. A pillow or wedge between the legs can help as well as bending the other leg (looks like a laying down running position if that makes sense)
OOPS saw your reply to DeeAnna and he is on Hospice so I would push for them to send a Wound Nurse out since it has been over a month.

CONGRATULATIONS on 70 years of marriage!!!💖💖

Since your husband does not have any diabetes or circulation problems other than the pacemaker, there is a good chance that his wounds will heal. Please let us know when the wound care nurse sees your husband.

PS: Your post was NOT long at all.

Wound care nurse is your best option. Follow her directions for wound care. He will need extra protein, vitamins and plenty of water to provide the building blocks for wound healing. If he wasn't a smoker, then oxygenation should not a a big problem. When his wounds are healed, please see a specialist for shoes to help prevent future foot problems.

Ask his primary care doctor to order home health for wound care. It should be covered under his insurance.

How many wounds does your husband have on his foot?
What treatments did your husband's doctor prescribe for the pressure/ulcer wounds on his foot? If your husband has not seen a doctor about these wounds, then he needs to see his doctor ASAP. Ask the doctor if a Wound Care Nurse can be prescribed to visit your husband at home and to assist with the care of these wounds.

Dad frequently gets leg and foot ulcers and we've had to rely on home health and on some occasions, wound care specialists. Those are definitely not something you want to let get out of control (which dad's have at times). With Medicare and his Advantage plan, the cost for treatment has been minimal for wound care specialists.