Diabetic Foot & Wound Care

Diabetic foot and wound care is extremely important in order to avoid serious foot ulcers. Diabetes can lead to open sores or wounds on the feet, called diabetic foot ulcers. It is a common problem and approximately 15% of people with diabetes can develop ulcers on the bottom of their feet. It’s very important for a trained podiatrist to examine and care for your feet because minor wounds can become serious foot ulcers which can lead to foot or leg amputation.

We are here to provide expert care to make sure that doesn’t happen. Our physicians are here to help you with infection control, local wound care, pressure relieving strategies and ways to restore blood flow for optimal foot and leg function.

What is a diabetic foot ulcer?

It is a type of skin ulcer that occurs when an area of the skin breaks down, exposing the underlying tissue. People with diabetes have trouble with skin healing. As a result, a cut or minor injury to the foot may not heal properly and turn into an ulcer.

If you suspect that you have sustained an minor injury to your foot, or have a small cut, and you have diabetes, you should consult a physician immediately. They can examine the wound and treat it appropriately. Fast treatment is essential to help the skin heal and to prevent infection.

If you wait to consult a physician, hard skin may develop around the soft area of the ulcer. The physician will have to remove that to promote proper healing.

How do I know if I have a Diabetic foot ulcer?

If you have a diabetic foot ulcer, you will see an open sore that exposes the tissues beneath. It may be pink or red and raised or swollen around the ulcer. If it is infected you will see yellow pus filling the wound. In any of these cases, you need to consult one of our physicians immediately. Infection can spread quickly and threaten the health and function of your foot and/or leg.

What are the treatments?

A trained podiatrist will carefully examine the foot ulcer to determine the best course of treatment. Usually this involves the following steps:

• The ulcer or wound is covered with a sterile dressing.
• Antibiotics may be applied, or administered orally, if there is any sign of infection
• Severe infections will require more invasive treatments that the doctor will discuss with you.
• Pads, special shoes or a cast may be used on the foot to take pressure off the area of the ulcer