Diabetic Wound

What are diabetic wounds?

Diabetic wounds are open sores or ulcers that occur in about 15% of people with diabetes. They typically appear on the thighs, legs, or feet and form due to poor circulation, nerve damage, and irregular blood sugar levels.

Though common, diabetic wounds require early intervention and care. When left untreated, they often result in hospitalization or the need for amputation.

What causes diabetic wounds?

Diabetic wounds occur due to poorly managed diabetes. Over time, diabetes causes your blood sugar levels to spike, resulting in permanent nerve damage or neuropathy. When the nerves in your legs, feet, and toes don’t work as they should, you can cut or injure yourself and not realize it. 

If the nerves in your feet don’t send pain signals to your brain, you’re less likely to clean or care for the wound. Combined, these factors increase your risk of an infection or other complications.

What are the symptoms of diabetic wounds?

Common symptoms of diabetic wounds include:

• Dry, scaly skin
• Redness
• Drainage on your socks
• Swelling
• Black, brown, or purple blotches
  

If you have diabetic neuropathy, you might also experience tingling, numbness, or burning pain that affects your feet and toes.

How are diabetic wounds diagnosed?

To diagnose diabetic wounds, the team at Bard Podiatry Associates reviews your medical history, asks questions about your lifestyle and symptoms, and physically examines your feet and toes.

Following a visual assessment, they order diagnostic imaging, like an MRI or CT scan. The team also orders non-invasive vascular studies to determine the severity of your wound and to help guide treatment.

How are diabetic wounds treated?

Diabetic wounds present serious risks to your health. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, speed up recovery, and encourage your body’s natural healing process.

Bard Podiatry Associates tailors treatment based on your age, health history, and severity of your wounds. Common treatment options include:

• Antibiotics to eliminate an infection
• Antiplatelet or anti-clotting medication
• Topical wound care therapies
• Compression garments
• Custom orthotics
• Diabetic shoes
• Diabetic inserts

The team also recommends healthy lifestyle changes. For example, if you have diabetes, it’s important to visually inspect your feet every day. 

When inspecting your feet, look for blisters, cuts, scratches, cracks, or sores. Gently wash your feet and toes with warm water and soap and always wear socks and comfortable, supportive shoes.

By detecting and treating diabetic wounds early on, you can lower the risk of infection and other serious health problems.

To receive treatment for diabetic wounds, request a consultation at Bard Podiatry Associates. Book an appointment with the online scheduling tool or call the nearest office today.