What are diabetic wounds?
Uncontrolled diabetes is detrimental to your health in many ways. It damages your nervous system, which means you may not feel or notice trauma to your feet. This can result in a foot ulcer. Diabetic foot ulcers can lead to infection and amputation if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to prevent these ulcers from occurring with proper foot care and treating them promptly if they do occur. Diabetic wounds are most commonly located on the bottom of your feet, under your big toes, or under the balls of your feet.
Common symptoms of a diabetic wound, such as a foot ulcer, may include:
- Drainage on your socks
- Redness
- Swelling
- Heat
- Loss of function
- Numbness (a sign of nerve damage)
- Foul odor
- Dryness and cracking of the skin of your feet
If you have a diabetic wound, healing your wound is a team effort that includes the wound care provider, podiatrist, primary care doctor, diabetic educator, and YOU!
What causes diabetic wounds?
Diabetic foot ulcers and other diabetic wounds are usually the result of poorly managed diabetes and commonly caused by:
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- Nerve damage
- Poor circulation to the feet
- Pressure
- Trauma
The nerve damage due to diabetes, as previously described, limits your ability to sense when your feet have been injured. It also damages your autonomic nerves, which regulate your glands and thus the moisture of your skin. Your skin may become dry and cracked, which provides easy entry for bacteria. This can result in an infection that leads to a wound.
What are treatments for a diabetic wound?
- Appropriate cleansing and dressing
- Offloading with custom footwear
- Antimicrobial therapy
- Topical oxygen therapy
Additionally, we perform a comprehensive diabetic evaluation to optimize your wound healing. This includes nutrition, glycemic control, exercise, and proper foot care.
When should I seek treatment for diabetic wounds?
If you have diabetes and are concerned that you have or may be developing a wound, please contact our office without delay. Our helpful and friendly staff will work with you to get you the care you need.
If you have a diabetic wound, call the office or schedule an appointment online for expert treatment.
