What Are Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
Many individuals with diabetes have poor circulation and reduced blood flow to the feet, which increases the risk of developing an infection or foot ulcer. Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds, usually on the bottoms of the feet, that take a long time to heal. Some signs of a diabetic foot ulcer include drainage from the foot or discharge on the socks. Dr. Elizabeth Hofmeister and Dr. Rebecca Hodulik, the board-certified podiatrists at Prairie Rock Foot and Ankle Clinic in Manteno IL, treat diabetic foot ulcers.
How to Care for Diabetic Feet and Prevent Ulcers
Several steps can be taken at home to maintain healthy feet and prevent diabetic foot ulcers. One of the most important components of caring for your feet when you have diabetes is checking them daily. When examining your feet, look for wounds or injuries and apply first aid measures. Even seemingly minor cuts or scrapes should be treated promptly to prevent infection, ulcers, and other problems.
In addition to examining the feet daily, other ways to care for diabetic feet and keep them healthy include:
- Avoid soaking feet in water
- Keeping the feet clean, warm, and dry
- Wearing shoes that are comfortable and fit properly
- Keeping the feet warm at night by wearing loose socks to bed
- Stretching the legs and feet throughout the day to improve circulation
- Trimming toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails and infection
- Wearing warm shoes and socks in cold weather
- Avoid getting feet wet in rain or snow
Treatment for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
It is important to seek treatment for diabetic foot ulcers right away. Without treatment, the ulcer might not heal and could get worse. In the most serious cases, diabetic foot ulcers sometimes lead to the need for lower limb amputation. The experienced and caring podiatrists at our office in Manteno, IL, treat diabetic foot ulcers and will make treatment recommendations based on your needs and the severity of the ulcer.
Some of the methods commonly used to treat diabetic foot ulcers include:
- Surgical debridement to remove dead skin cells
- Applying dressings to the ulcer to create a moist wound environment
- Wound off-loading to take pressure off the ulcer and surrounding area
- Vascular assessment (checking blood pressure in the feet and ankles)
- Managing any infections that have developed
- Controlling blood glucose levels
Individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of developing foot ulcers due to poor circulation. Checking the feet daily and seeing a podiatrist regularly are two ways to maintain healthier feet. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hofmeister or Dr. Hodulik for the treatment and prevention of diabetic foot ulcers by calling Prairie Rock Foot and Ankle Clinic in Manteno IL, at (815) 468-7117.