Diabetic foot wounds are a real threat when you're living with diabetes. Checking your feet daily and controlling blood sugar can help prevent foot wounds, but what should you do if you find yourself with a foot wound?
At the Spine and Orthopedic Center of New Mexico, Dr. David Ball and Dr. Omar Osmani, bring a wealth of experience and expertise in providing comprehensive orthopedic and podiatric care. At our Roswell, New Mexico office, we offer a range of wound care services designed to heal even the most challenging wounds.
Diabetic foot wounds occur in people with diabetes for several reasons. High blood sugar levels cause nerve damage and circulatory issues, especially in the legs and feet.
A simple puncture wound or scrape can turn into a diabetic foot wound when it doesn't heal properly. There are several signs and symptoms of a foot wound, and they include:
Diabetic foot wounds range from mild to severe and require specialized treatment. The sooner you notice the wound, the easier it will be for us to treat it.
The best way to find a foot wound is to check your feet daily. If you do notice a wound, it's essential to seek treatment immediately to prevent it from worsening. The following are immediate steps to take for a diabetic foot wound:
As soon as you notice the wound, clean it gently with soap and water. Be careful not to scrub too hard, which could aggravate the tissues. Inspect the wound for any debris or foreign objects while you're cleaning.
After cleaning the wound, apply a topical antibiotic ointment if available. The petroleum-based ointment keeps the wound from drying out, which aids in the healing process.
Covering the wound is essential in keeping it clean and preventing infection. If the wound is moist, use a nonstick bandage to prevent new tissue from sticking to the bandage and coming off during removal.
Reduce pressure on the wound and friction, which delays the healing process. Elevate your foot while you're sitting to reduce swelling. Wear shoes and socks that don't add pressure on the wound and assistive devices as necessary.
The most important step in diabetic wound care is to seek medical attention promptly. Our urgent care provides fast and efficient diagnosis and personalized treatment to help wounds heal properly.
Preventing another diabetic foot wound is crucial in maintaining your foot health. We offer various tips, treatments, and lifestyle adjustments to manage diabetic wounds, and they include:
Managing blood sugar is one of the best things you can do to prevent wounds. The higher the sugar, the more likely you are to have complications like nerve damage and circulatory issues, which cause ulcers and wounds.
Check your feet every day for signs of a wound or cut. As soon as you notice something, take good care of it to prevent it from worsening.
Never go barefoot outside with diabetes. A simple stone or piece of glass could cause serious issues due to neuropathy and decreased circulation. Always wear shoes and dry socks to avoid injury.
Ensure your shoes fit well, and don't put pressure on your toes or feet. Ill-fitting shoes may cause blisters, which can easily develop into diabetic ulcers.
Regular appointments with Dr. Ball are critical in preventing diabetic complications and wounds. He evaluates your feet and provides prevention tips and treatments to keep your feet healthy with diabetes.
To learn more about our wound care treatments, please call our Roswell, New Mexico, office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ball or request one online through our website.
