Diabetic Wounds
If you have Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes, you are at risk of developing diabetic wounds. These wounds, though uncommon, can lead to serious complications that affect your mobility and quality of life. Our team of wound care specialists offers holistic, synergistic treatment for diabetic wounds. To schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, call or book online today.
What Are Diabetic Wounds?
Diabetic wounds are slow-healing sores that often develop on the heels, feet, or toes. Approximately 6% of individuals with diabetic wounds require hospitalization or face severe health issues. These wounds precede 85% of diabetes-related amputations. If you have diabetes and notice a wound, it’s crucial to seek professional medical help promptly to reduce the risk of amputation.
Who Experiences Diabetic Wounds?
Anyone with diabetes can develop diabetic wounds, but they are particularly common among Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and older men.
You are also at higher risk if you use insulin, have heart or kidney disease, are overweight, smoke, or regularly consume alcohol. Additionally, the longer you have high blood sugar, the greater your risk of permanent nerve damage, which impairs sensation in your lower extremities. This makes it possible to sustain injuries without realizing it.
Complications of Diabetic Wounds
Untreated diabetic wounds can lead to severe health issues, including foot injuries, infections, ulcers, nerve damage, poor blood circulation, and bone damage. In some cases, the wound may cause extensive damage to surrounding tissues and bones, necessitating amputation.
When damage reaches this level, amputation is often the only option. Seeking prompt treatment is crucial to prevent these serious complications.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Wounds?
The symptoms of diabetic wounds can vary based on their location and severity. Common signs include redness, warmth, swelling, and drainage on your socks. As the wound enlarges, it may emit a foul odor. At Healing Touch WoundCare, our specialists can evaluate your wounds, confirm if they are diabetic wounds, and provide appropriate treatment.
How Are Diabetic Wounds Diagnosed?
At Healing Touch WoundCare, our team of specialists diagnose diabetic wounds through a thorough physical exam, a review of your symptoms and lifestyle, and your medical history. During the exam, your provider will closely examine your feet, toes, and ankles for signs of tissue damage, redness, or flaky skin. Most diabetic wounds are visible to the naked eye, making diagnosis straightforward.
If there is a suspicion of a bone infection, your provider may order additional tests such as X-rays or an MRI.
How Are Diabetic Wounds Treated?
Treatment of diabetic foot wounds typically begins with off-loading, a process that reduces pressure on the affected area. This involves wearing special footgear or a brace, or using a wheelchair or crutches to avoid aggravating the wound. Off-loading helps decrease irritation and swelling, facilitating your body’s natural healing process.
In addition, your provider may suggest compression therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, wound debridement, or topical treatments like bioengineered skin grafts. During your initial evaluation, your provider will develop a customized treatment plan tailored to effectively address your diabetic wounds.
Why Choose Healing Touch WoundCare?
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.
