A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that develops on the foot and can be difficult to heal. These wounds often appear on the soles or pressure points where the skin experiences repeated friction. Diabetes can damage nerves and reduce blood flow, making foot ulcers more likely to develop and harder to treat. Symptoms include an open wound, drainage, or changes in skin color. Some ulcers cause little pain because nerve damage reduces sensation, so regular foot checks are especially important.
High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels. This damage may reduce feeling in the feet and limit circulation, allowing small injuries to become persistent sores. Common risk factors include poorly controlled diabetes, previous foot ulcers, and wearing shoes that rub against the skin. Calluses and foot deformities can also increase pressure on vulnerable areas. Without proper care, an ulcer may become infected and lead to serious complications, including damage to deeper tissues.
If you have a diabetic foot ulcer, contact a podiatrist promptly rather than waiting for it to heal on its own. Keep the wound clean and covered as directed, avoid walking barefoot, and reduce pressure on the affected area. Do not cut away calluses or apply harsh products to the wound. Check your feet daily for new sores, redness, or drainage, and seek urgent medical attention if you develop fever or spreading redness.
A podiatrist will examine the wound, assess circulation and sensation, and check for infection. Treatment may include professional wound cleaning, specialized dressings, and pressure-relieving footwear. Antibiotics may be needed when an infection is present. Managing blood sugar is also essential for healing. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Hoover, Oneonta, and Munford, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
