Diabetic foot ulcers can be frustrating because they often linger, even with careful treatment. High blood sugar slows healing by damaging blood vessels and reducing oxygen flow to the skin. Nerve damage can also play a role, since patients may not feel pressure or injury, allowing wounds to worsen unnoticed. Infection is another common factor that keeps ulcers from closing. Poor circulation in the lower legs and feet further limits the body’s ability to repair tissue. Inconsistent offloading, such as walking on the wound, can delay progress as well. Effective care usually requires a combination of wound cleaning, pressure relief, blood sugar control, and sometimes advanced therapies. Regular monitoring is important to catch changes early. If a foot ulcer is not improving or keeps returning, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and timely treatment.
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 Lauryn Smith-Winton, DPM from S.W. Podiatry Group. Our doctor 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 Waldorf, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
