Diabetic Wound Care

Diabetes is a disease in which the body is unable to produce or utilize insulin properly. Insulin converts sugar into energy. The main symptom of diabetes is high blood sugar. Unfortunately, diabetes can cause several other complications besides high blood sugar. It can lead to neuropathy, blindness, inability to heal, and circulation problems.

The inability to heal and poor circulation make proper wound care for people with diabetes essential. An untreated ulcer or sore on the foot can quickly become infected and spread, especially if the patient is unaware that an abscess is present due to the loss of feeling in the feet.

If a wound (cut, blister, ulcer) is discovered, call the office as soon as possible. Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent complications.

Debridement of the wound is the first step to remove any necrotic tissue present. Debriding the wound reduces the pressure on the ulcer, stimulates healing, allows the wound to drain, exposes the underlying tissue for examination, and allows the correct type of wound dressing to be determined.

If an infection is found on examination, oral and topical antibiotics will be needed for aggressive infection control.

Further pressure on the wound must be removed to allow for healing. Eliminating pressure on that area can be as simple as applying the correct type of dressing, or a more complicated approach may be needed, such as a removable device to redistribute the pressure in the foot or a non-removable cast.

Alpine Podiatry Center strives to deliver the best diabetic wound care available.