Foot Problems Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Allison Harvey, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Follow-up

• Keep the dressing that the doctor applied on for two days.



• On the second day, remove the dressing and wash with soap and water. Then apply triple antibiotic ointment (you can buy this at the drugstore) and put on new gauze. Repeat this procedure twice a day until the wound has healed.



• The doctor may want to recheck the wound in three to five days.



• Take any antibiotics, if prescribed, as directed.



• Keep the wound clean and dry. Follow any specific wound care instructions given by the doctor.



• For the first three days, keep the foot propped up above the level of the heart as much as possible. This will aid in pain control.



• If the doctor prescribed pain medicine, then take it as directed. Otherwise, acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Motrin) may be used for pain control if you have no allergies to this medication.