Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers are a painful condition that commonly occur in people with diabetes. When unchecked, diabetic foot ulcers can lead to serious complications that may result in hospitalization or amputation. Fortunately, specialized wound care services can help promote healing and prevent further injury.

What Causes Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

Chronically high blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels throughout your body. Together, nerve damage and poor circulation often lead to diabetic foot ulcers. Known as diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage can cause decreased feelings in your feet. Loss of sensation in the feet can prevent you from noticing cuts, blisters, pressure points, and other foot injuries.

In addition to reducing sensation, poor blood flow can hinder your body’s ability to heal. Together, numb feet and sluggish circulation can cause even minor injuries to develop into long-lasting wounds. Diabetic foot ulcers can occur anywhere on your foot. Common causes include ill-fitting shoes, calluses, foot deformities, burns, puncture wounds, or unknown trauma.

What Are the Signs of a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

Knowing the early signs and symptoms of a diabetic foot ulcer can help you seek treatment sooner and avoid further complications:

• Open sore or wound on your foot
• Redness, swelling, or warmth to the touch
• Drainage appearing on socks or shoes
• Thick skin or callus developing around the wound
• Discoloration around the wound
• Foul odor
• Pain in the area (some patients feel little to no pain)

When to Seek Medical Care for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Since many diabetes patients experience numbness in their feet, many do not realize they have an ulcer until it has become more serious. That’s why it’s critical to check your feet every day for any cuts, sores, or blisters. If you have diabetes and already notice signs of infection, loss of blood flow, or foul odor, seek medical attention right away.

Why Is Professional Wound Care Important?

Damaged skin provides an easy pathway for bacteria to enter your body. Without treatment, bacteria can quickly infect diabetic foot ulcers and spread throughout your body. Left untreated, infections can become serious and involve the skin, soft tissue, and even bone.

At SMC Physicians, we take every precaution to prevent infection and promote wound healing. Upon evaluation, our wound care specialists determine the severity of your wound, potential causes, and optimal treatment. We focus on healing your existing wound while also providing you with the tools you need to avoid future injuries.

How Are Diabetic Foot Ulcers Treated?

Your treatment depends on you and the type and severity of your wound. Treatment may include:

• Removal of dead or damaged tissue (debridement)
• Advanced wound dressings
• Treatment and prevention of infection
• Offloading
• Compression therapy when indicated
• Advanced wound care technology
• Patient education
• Diabetic foot care counseling

Treatment often involves regular follow-up appointments with your wound care specialist. Additionally, we communicate with your primary care physician and diabetes care professionals to ensure you receive comprehensive care.

Can Diabetic Foot Ulcers Be Prevented?

The good news is that most diabetic foot ulcers can be avoided. Checking your feet daily for cuts, sores, blisters, or other wounds is very important. Catching potential problems early can help your doctor treat your injury before the development of a foot ulcer. Here are some other ways to avoid diabetic foot ulcers:

• Keep your blood sugar within your target range.
• Wash your feet daily with mild soap and water
• Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes
• Moisturize your feet daily
• Wear properly fitted shoes
• Never walk barefoot
• Seek medical care for cuts and blisters that don’t heal within a few days.

Trust SMC Physicians for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment

Diabetic foot ulcers should never be taken lightly, especially if you have diabetes. Seeking early treatment from a wound care specialist can help you avoid complications and experience a faster recovery. At SMC Physicians in Northfield, our wound care team focuses on quickly evaluating your injury and offering the most advanced treatment options to fit your needs.

Call SMC Physicians today at (609) 377-5150 to learn more about diabetic foot ulcers or request an appointment online to meet with one of our wound care specialists.

1601 Tilton Rd, Suite 3, Northfield, NJ 08225

Hours:
Monday: 8:30am-5pm
Tuesday: 8:30am-5pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-5pm
Thursday: 8:30am-5pm
Friday: 8:30am-5pm