Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds or sores that typically develop on the bottom of the foot in diabetics. They are caused by a combination of poor circulation, nerve damage, and repetitive pressure or injury to the foot. Risk factors include long-term diabetes, smoking, poorly controlled blood sugar, and improper footwear. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, drainage, or a foul odor. These ulcers can become infected and lead to serious complications. A podiatrist plays a key role in managing diabetic foot ulcers by providing wound care, pressure relief, and guidance on foot hygiene. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that regular visits to a podiatrist are part of a routine plan that can help you to manage existing foot ulcers.
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 one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.