Diabetic Wound Care

What is diabetic wound care?

Diabetic wound care diagnoses, treats, and prevents foot and leg ulcers caused by poorly managed diabetes. 

Diabetes is a group of diseases that affects your ability to regulate blood sugar. If your blood sugar levels remain high for an extended period, it prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching your cells, increases inflammation throughout your body, and prevents your immune system from functioning efficiently.

When combined, these factors increase the risk of open wounds and slow-healing ulcers. Without intervention and treatment, these wounds may become infected, increasing the risk of gangrene or amputation.

How can I prevent the need for diabetic wound care?

If you’re living with diabetes, it’s important to keep your blood sugar levels in check. Living a healthy, active lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of complications. 

Dr. Weber recommends eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and keeping your wound dressings clean and dry.

When should I visit a podiatrist for diabetic wound care?

If you develop an open wound on your foot or ankle and it doesn’t respond to conservative treatments like rest, antibiotic ointments, and clean bandages, make an appointment with Dr. Weber. Telltale signs of a potential infection include:

• Tingling
• Burning
• Loss of sensation
• Persistent pain
• Swelling

The sooner Dr. Weber takes a look and determines the underlying cause, the sooner you can undergo treatment and prevent it from getting worse.

How are diabetic wounds diagnosed?

To diagnose a diabetic wound, Dr. Weber physically examines your feet and ankles, asks about your symptoms, and reviews your medical history. 

Dr. Weber might also order X-rays or an ultrasound. These diagnostic imaging techniques can detect more serious issues like an infection or loss of bone mass.

How are diabetic wounds treated?

Treatment of diabetic wounds depends on the number, location, and severity of the ulcers. Whenever possible, Dr. Weber recommends conservative, at-home treatments like performing self-checks at least once a day, keeping pressure off the wounds, and regularly cleaning the affected areas. 

If over-the-counter lotions and ointments don’t spur your body’s natural healing process, Dr. Weber might recommend prescription antibiotics to reduce bacteria, protect against contamination, and limit the spread of infection.

In some cases, surgical intervention might be necessary. Dr. Weber offers wound debridement, skin grafts, and synthetic skin substitutes.

To learn more about the benefits of diabetic wound care, make an appointment at Birch Tree Foot and Ankle by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking tool today.