Diabetic foot ulcers prevention and treatment

Patients with poorly regulated blood sugar levels often develop diabetic ulcers and open lesions on the feet. In 15% of persons with diabetes, a diabetic foot diagnosis is made, while 1 in every five individuals may need hospitalization due to the illness. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy & peripheral arterial disease are some of the most prevalent disease conditions that impact the feet in patients with diabetes.

What kinds of operations are effective for diabetic ulcers?

Debridement promotes wound healing by removing sick or dead skin & tissue from the wound. Using skin grafts to replace damaged or missing skin may speed up recovery and lower the chance of infection. Depending on the patient, the skin may be removed from the patient’s thigh or a donor; both options are possible. Vascular surgery or angioplasty, aids in restoring proper blood flow to the wound site, fosters healing and results in better skin. The bone may be shaved or removed to treat abnormalities like hammertoes, heel spurs, and bunions that impose pressure on the adjacent tissue.

To lower the chance of recurrence over the long run, you must maintain blood sugar control, nutrition, or blood flow. Your medical team will collaborate with you to implement doable adjustments to support the long-term health objectives.

Five foot-care suggestions to avoid diabetic foot ulcers

These fundamental foot care guidelines will help lower your chance of developing foot ulcers, enhance your general health, and help you regulate your blood sugar levels.

1. Examine your feet daily. It’s possible that your vision is poor or you lack the flexibility to view the soles of your feet. If so, ask your partner or a close relative to look over your feet & shoes for any abnormalities, such as cuts, bruises, fractures, blisters, heat, or other symptoms. The sooner one can treat, the better, so call your doctor as soon as you see even a little cut.

2. Show the feet to the physician. When you see your family doctor, take off your socks and shoes. Even if doctors don’t ask, suggest that they check your feet regarding nerve damage and blood circulation.

3. Always put on footwear and socks, even indoors. You could not feel it if you tread on anything sharp if you suffer from diabetic neuropathy. Your skin may be protected from getting ulcers by wearing specific shoes & insoles. Check your shoes before wearing them, and replace your shoes often.

4. Opt for shoes that fit correctly. Shoes with pointed toes, stiletto heels, or those that are excessively short, tight, or loose should be avoided. Your doctor may recommend fashionable, custom-fitted footwear or insoles for patients with a high risk of developing foot issues.

5. The infrared thermometer may check for diabetes and hot feet. Unrecognized injuries cause foot ulcers. Potential inflamed “spots” on your foot may be found with this technique. Usually, weeks or even days before an ulcer appears, the warmth of your skin rises by 4 degrees F or more. To track changes, keep a journal of the readings taken from various regions of your foot. If the temperature increases by four ℉, contact your doctor.

As podiatrists, always take future foot functioning and wound healing into account. Suppose surgery is the best diabetic foot ulcer treatment for you. In that case, a method is suggested to address your pain and infection straight away, allowing you to move more freely and with less discomfort.