Foot Wounds and Foot Ulcers

Foot ulcers are a type of wound or open sore that will not heal properly.  Diabetes makes you more likely to have these wounds but circulation issues, foot deformities, irritation and trauma can cause

them as well.  High blood sugar, or blood glucose, in diabetics can damage nerves and blood vessels over time, lessening blood flow to the feet, making it harder for wounds to heal.  Nerve damage also makes it more difficult for you to feel pain, which may render you unaware of your developing ulcer.

To discourage an ulcer from getting infected or growing larger, the following steps may be recommended:

1. Use soap and water to clean the ulcer daily.

2. Keep the ulcer covered with a bandage or wound dressing.

3. Avoid applying pressure to the ulcer.

4. Use topical medications as recommended by us.

5. Manage your blood sugar levels.

Visit us as soon as you notice an ulcer.  It is important for diabetic patients to be treated immediately to reduce the likelihood of infection or amputation.

References:

APMA.  Diabetic Wound Care.  https://www.apma.org/diabeticwoundcare

WebMD.  How to Care for Diabetic Ulcers and Sores.  https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/diabetes-sores-ulcers-care

Image Credit:  Wikimedia.org.  Diabetes Foot Ulcers.  BruceBlaus / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)