Wound Care

·         Nerve and vascular damage are common diabetes complications, which can lead to the loss of protective sensation in the extremities and make detecting wounds difficult.

·         As a result, people with diabetes can be more susceptible to infection and their wounds can often be slow healing.

·         Special care needs to be taken of any abrasion or cut, particularly of those found on the feet.

What is a diabetic foot ulcer?

·         A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that is most commonly found on the bottom of the foot.

·         People with diabetes who are using insulin are at a higher risk of developing a foot ulcer, as are patients who have diabetes-related kidney, eye, and heart disease.

·         Diabetic foot ulcers are at very high risk of becoming infected, and sometimes they cannot be healed.

·         Non-healing foot ulcers are a frequent cause of amputation in people with diabetes.

·         Patients with foot ulcers may use wound dressings, skin substitutes, or other treatments to protect and heal their skin.

How do diabetic foot ulcers form?

·         Ulcers form due to a combination of factors: poor circulation, lack of feeling in the feet, foot deformities, irritations, and trauma.

·         After many years, diabetes can cause neuropathy, which is a reduced or complete lack of feeling in the feet due to nerve damage caused by elevated blood glucose levels over time.

·         Vascular disease can complicate a foot ulcer, reducing the body’s ability to heal and increasing the risk of infection.

·         High blood sugars can also reduce the body’s ability to combat potential infection and can slow the healing process.

How is a diabetic foot ulcer treated?

Once an ulcer is detected, seek the care of your podiatrist immediately. There are several key factors in the appropriate treatment of a foot ulcer:

·         Maintaining good blood glucose control.

·         Prevention of infection.

·         Raking the pressure off the area, called “off-loading.”

·         Removing dead skin and tissue, called “debridement.”

·         Applying medication or dressings to the ulcer.

·         Keep the ulcer clean and bandaged.

·         Do not walk barefoot.

      To heal as quickly as possible, foot ulcers must be “off-loaded.” Patients may be asked to wear special footgear or utilize a wheelchair or crutches to reduce pressure and irritation to the ulcer area.

      Wounds heal faster, with a lower risk of infection, if they are kept covered and moist.

      Work closely with your medical team and your podiatrist to ensure the fastest healing possible.

How can a foot ulcer be prevented?

There are several precautions you can take to prevent a diabetic foot ulcer.

·    Maintain good blood glucose control.

·    See a podiatrist on a regular basis.

·    Wash feet daily.

·    Inspect your feet and toes daily.

·    Maintain a healthy weight.

·    Wear thick, soft socks.

·    Stop smoking.

·    Cut toenails straight across instead of rounding the edges.

·    Exercise regularly.

·    Be properly measured and fitted every time you buy new shoes.

·    Do not walk around barefoot.

·    Never try to remove calluses, corns, or warts by yourself.

You may be at high risk for a diabetic foot ulcer if you have uncontrolled blood glucose, have neuropathy, have poor circulation, have a foot deformity such as a bunion, and wear inappropriate shoes.

For people with diabetes, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. Keeping your blood glucose in good control and regularly inspecting your extremities for any cuts or abrasions can help keep your feet wound-free.

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What if I do get a diabetic foot ulcer?

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