Uncontrolled diabetes leads to various issues within the body, especially with the legs and feet. High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels and nerves, leading to neuropathy and slower wound healing.
Diabetic foot ulcers are open areas that don’t heal due to poor circulation and nerve damage. They can become serious and lead to toe or foot amputations without proper treatment.
At the Spine and Orthopedic Center of New Mexico, Dr. David Ball provides wound and foot care for residents in the Roswell, New Mexico community. He’s an experienced podiatrist offering various strategies to help your wound heal.
Diabetic foot ulcers are prevalent among people with diabetes, affecting 1.6 million people in the United States yearly, according to the National Library of Medicine. Up to 60% of these ulcers result in infection, and 20% of moderate to severe infections ultimately lead to amputation.
People living with diabetes are at risk for ulcers, especially with uncontrolled blood glucose levels. High blood sugar causes nerve and blood vessel damage, making it difficult to detect a wound.
Without feeling around the wound, many people are unaware of its presence until the wound becomes large or infected. They also lack good circulation, which is essential for wound healing.
Diabetic foot ulcers often take weeks or months to heal, sometimes even longer. Symptoms include an open area on the foot or toes, drainage, and redness or swelling. Treatment involves promoting infection, promoting healing, and avoiding complications.
Small and minor foot ulcers may heal on their own with diligent care – but not always. Larger foot ulcers may require expert care to heal correctly. You may need to seek treatment for a diabetic foot ulcer if:
A tell-tale sign that you should seek expert care for an ulcer is if the wound itself is getting bigger. A diabetic ulcer that continues to grow and isn’t healing properly may require professional care to promote healing and remove dead or damaged tissue.
Redness around the ulcer or black and darkened skin indicates that the tissues around the ulcer are not healing. Infection or dead skin suggests that the wound is worsening and requires expert care to promote healing and prevent complications.
Fluid or blood on your socks from the ulcer is a sign it’s not healing. If you continually notice fluid or blood, seek treatment immediately to prevent infection or other complications.
Numbness and tingling around the foot and toes are common symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. People with neuropathy don’t heal as efficiently due to nerve damage. You can benefit from an expert evaluation and wound care from Dr. Ball to help the ulcer heal efficiently.
Increased swelling, redness, or a foul smell from the ulcer indicates an infection. Pus, discolored drainage, fever, or warmth around the ulcer may also indicate that the wound is becoming infected.
An infection is a significant reason to seek treatment. Without the proper care, infection can spread or cause complications that could lead to an amputation.
Getting treatment as soon as you notice an ulcer not healing is essential. We carefully assess the wound and provide customized treatments to promote healing and avoid further skin issues.
To learn more about our wound care services, please call our Roswell, New Mexico, office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ball. You may also request one online through our website.
