Diabetic Ulcers
Approximately 15% of people with diabetes will develop diabetic ulcers. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, these ulcers can become infected and may lead to the need for surgical intervention or even amputation. Our team of wound care specialists provides safe and effective treatments for diabetic ulcers. To schedule an appointment with one of our experts, call us or book online today.
What Are Diabetic Ulcers?
Diabetic ulcers are open sores that heal slowly and heighten the risk of infection. These ulcers can lead to gangrene, a serious condition where surrounding tissue dies and can become life-threatening. Typically, diabetic ulcers form on the lower extremities, such as the legs, feet, and toes, but they can also appear on the hands or abdomen.
For individuals with diabetes, these ulcers can cause blood sugar levels to rise. Unmanaged high blood sugar can damage nerves and veins, impairing blood flow to your extremities and making it difficult for sores or cuts to heal.
Diabetes also raises the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which further impairs blood flow, and diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage). When nerves in the feet are damaged, you may not feel cuts or injuries, which can lead minor wounds to develop into ulcers.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Ulcers?
Diabetic ulcers are open wounds or sores that may present with various symptoms. Key signs to watch for include:
Numbness or loss of sensation in the feet
Swelling or discoloration in the affected area
Redness in the toes or feet
Drainage or fluid from the ulcer
Pain or firmness around the wound
Is There Any Way to Prevent Diabetic Ulcers?
You can take steps to prevent diabetic ulcers and reduce your risk. Key prevention strategies include:
Regularly monitoring and managing your blood sugar levels
Practicing good foot and shoe care, as most diabetic ulcers occur on the feet
By keeping your blood sugar levels in check and maintaining proper foot hygiene, you can significantly lower your risk of developing diabetic ulcers.
You can take steps to prevent diabetic ulcers and reduce your risk. Key prevention strategies include:
Regularly monitoring and managing your blood sugar levels
Practicing good foot and shoe care, as most diabetic ulcers occur on the feet
By keeping your blood sugar levels in check and maintaining proper foot hygiene, you can significantly lower your risk of developing diabetic ulcers.
How Are Diabetic Ulcers Diagnosed?
At Healing Touch WoundCare, diagnosing diabetic ulcers involves a comprehensive approach. Our team starts with a physical examination, reviews your medical history, and discusses your symptoms and lifestyle. We focus on inspecting your feet, toes, and ankles for signs such as cuts, blisters, redness, or unusual warmth.
Usually, this assessment is enough to diagnose the ulcer and determine its stage. However, if there are concerns about additional underlying conditions, we may recommend blood tests or diagnostic imaging to closely examine the bones, joints, and soft tissues of your feet and ankles.
How Are Diabetic Ulcers Treated?
Treating diabetic ulcers starts with wound debridement to remove damaged tissue and promote healing. The treatment plan typically involves daily cleaning, applying bandages or compression therapy, and using topical medications. Common topical treatments include saline solutions, growth factors, and bioengineered skin grafts to support the healing process.
Why Choose Healing Touch WoundCare?
The Healing Touch WoundCare team is one of the few practices to offer specialized care for atypical wounds. Our staff can evaluate your wound to determine if it is atypical and provide comprehensive care solutions. We offer a wide range of therapies that can be used independently or in combination.
Our team of highly-trained providers will also teach you how to properly care for your wound at home. This includes demonstrating how to thoroughly clean the wound, protect healthy skin, and change dressings. If you think you may have an atypical wound, call Healing Touch or book an appointment online today.
