All foot wounds are serious wounds if you have diabetes. This is because diabetic wounds tend to heal slowly and poorly due to the variety of health complications caused by diabetes. The elevated glucose levels characteristic of diabetes can stiffen the arteries, narrow the blood vessels, and damage the nerves that supply the lower limbs. This can lead to wounds that have a limited blood supply and are difficult to detect because of impaired pain signaling from the feet to the rest of the body. Without enough oxygen and nutrients traveling to the injured area via the bloodstream, the wound cannot heal properly. This creates a high risk of infection, which can be made worse by immune system insufficiency. If you have diabetes, it is very important that you inspect your feet daily for any changes or abnormalities. If you notice that something is wrong, please seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment is the key in preventing complications from diabetic foot wounds. 

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Robert Hope from Riverside Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Tuscaloosa, and Fayette, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.