Patients who are diabetic may be familiar with wound care for the feet. Elevated blood sugar levels may cause a foot ulcer to gradually develop and immediate treatment may be necessary to avoid further implications, including amputation in severe cases. There are several types of foot ulcers that diabetic patients may experience. Neuropathy can cause a lack of feeling in the foot and patients are unable to feel the pain caused by an injury. A loss of blood flow to the feet can lead to an ischemic ulcer which can be difficult to treat. If the patient has poor circulation and neuropathy, a neuroischemic ulcer may form and it is said to be the most difficult to heal. Approximately half of foot ulcers become infected, therefore they need to be closely monitored. Diabetic foot ulcer treatment begins with removing infected tissue from the wound. This is called debridement and it is crucial in the prevention of damaged nerves, blood vessels, and tendons. This is followed by reducing existing pressure on the foot ulcer and draining the wound. If you have diabetes, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can treat and manage diabetic foot problems.

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 Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Poulsbo, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.