[27F] With recurrent non-healing foot wound and peripheral neuropathy

Patient Description

A 27-year-old female presents with a recurrent non-healing wound on the bottom of her foot, near the pinky toe. The wound, resembling a paper cut, heals within 2-3 weeks with diligent care but reopens after about a month. The patient maintains wound cleanliness with frequent bandage changes and by wearing socks. The cut is not inflamed, hot, or purulent. She experiences worsening pain with physical activity. The patient also reports a history of tingling and numbness in both feet, described as a sensation of needles being pulled out, which has been more intense since 2022. The numbness occurs when wearing shoes or lying down. Additionally, the patient has plantar warts and psoriasis, which causes discoloration on her toenails and difficulty sloughing off skin cells around her feet. There is no reported fever, chills, or systemic infection signs, and no known drug allergies or other medications mentioned.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

  • Chronic Ulcer: This is a wound that does not heal in the usual timeframe. It can be caused by many factors, including pressure, poor circulation, or underlying diseases like diabetes. The fact that your wound is on the bottom of your foot, a high-pressure area, and reopens after healing, suggests this possibility.

    • Treatment typically involves relieving pressure on the area, improving circulation, and managing any underlying conditions.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy: This is a condition that causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes, and exposure to toxins. Your history of tingling and numbness in your feet suggests this possibility.

    • Treatment usually focuses on managing the condition causing your neuropathy.
  • Psoriasis: This is a skin disease that causes red, itchy scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. Psoriasis is a chronic disease that often comes and goes. It seems you have already been diagnosed with this condition.

    • Treatment typically involves topical treatments, light therapy, and systemic medications.

What you can do

While waiting for a formal diagnosis from a healthcare professional, you can:

  1. Try to keep the wound clean and dry. Change the dressing regularly and use an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment.
  2. Avoid putting pressure on the wound. You can use special footwear or padding to help with this.
  3. Continue managing your psoriasis as directed by your healthcare provider.
  4. Monitor your symptoms and take note of any changes or worsening symptoms.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

  • The wound becomes red, swollen, or increasingly painful.
  • You develop a fever or chills.
  • You notice a foul smell or pus coming from the wound.
  • The numbness or tingling in your feet worsens or spreads to other parts of your body.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common causes of a non-healing wound on the foot?

Common causes of a non-healing wound on the foot include pressure from footwear, poor circulation, diabetes, and underlying skin conditions. It's important to address these factors to promote healing.


How can peripheral neuropathy affect daily activities?

Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, and pain, which may affect balance, walking, and the ability to feel injuries. It can make daily activities challenging and increase the risk of foot injuries.


What are effective ways to manage psoriasis on the feet?

Managing psoriasis on the feet can involve using topical treatments like corticosteroids, moisturizing regularly, and avoiding triggers. In some cases, light therapy or systemic medications may be recommended by a healthcare provider.


When should I seek medical attention for a foot wound?

You should seek medical attention for a foot wound if it becomes red, swollen, increasingly painful, if you develop a fever or chills, or if there is a foul smell or pus coming from the wound. These could be signs of infection or other complications.


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