What is a Podiatrist's Role in Wound Care?

A podiatrist plays a major role in wound care, especially for people with diabetes or circulation issues. Foot wounds are more common than many realize, and they can quickly become serious. A small blister, cut, or sore can turn into an ulcer or infection before you even notice, especially if you have nerve damage and can't feel your feet well. That's where a podiatrist comes in.

"Podiatrists are often the first line of defense when it comes to preventing amputations," Jason Jolliffe, DPM, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group provider and a board-certified podiatrist who specializes in wound care at the Center for Wound Healing at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton). "We don't just treat the wound; we figure out what caused it and help prevent it from coming back."

If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or neuropathy, it's important to check your feet regularly-and see a podiatrist even if everything seems fine. Podiatrists are trained to spot early warning signs that others might miss, such as pressure points, calluses, and dry or thinning skin. They can also help with nail care, shoe advice, and custom insoles to reduce friction and pressure.

If a wound does appear, time is critical. Podiatrists often lead the wound care process, using special treatments like debridement (removing dead tissue), wound dressings, and even skin grafts or other advanced therapies. They also work closely with other specialists to make sure every aspect of your health is being addressed.

"Healing a wound without fixing the pressure that caused it is like mopping up a spill while the faucet is still running," says Dr. Jolliffe. "We're here to stop the problem at the source."

What makes podiatrists especially valuable is that they understand how your feet move and bear weight. That means they can suggest ways to keep pressure off a wound while it heals, whether that's a custom shoe insert, a walking boot, or even minor surgery if needed.

Perhaps most importantly, podiatrists focus on prevention. They take the time to teach patients how to care for their feet at home-like how to check for redness, changes in skin color, or signs of infection. For many, that extra attention can make all the difference.

Foot wounds may not seem like a big deal at first, but they can lead to major health problems if ignored. With a podiatrist on your care team, you have a partner who understands how to keep your feet, and your body, healthy and strong.

Dr. Jolliffe sees patients at the RWJUH Hamilton's Center for Wound Healing located inside the hospital at 1 Hamilton Health Place, Outpatient Building #5, Ground Floor, in Hamilton, NJ 08690.
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To make an appointment or learn more about The Center for Wound Healing at RWJUH Hamilton, call 609-249-8300.
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