January 2024

Diabetic wounds are a common complication of diabetes, resulting from neuropathy and vascular disease. Nerve damage diminishes foot sensation, making it challenging to detect an injury. Vascular disease impairs blood flow, which reduces the speed of healing wound. Diabetic foot ulcers are the most prevalent type of wound. They are open sores on pressure points, typically caused by neuropathy, trauma, and pressure. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent infections and potential limb loss. Diabetic neuropathic wounds stem from nerve damage, leading to a loss of protective sensation. These wounds may appear as calluses, corns, or blisters, requiring specialized care to prevent infections and further damage. Ischemic wounds arise from an inadequate blood supply, often due to peripheral artery disease, or PAD, which is exacerbated by diabetes. Characterized by poor circulation and delayed healing, ischemic wounds pose an increased risk of infection. If you are experiencing frequent or stubborn foot wounds that will not heal properly or seem infected, it is suggested that you seek the help of a podiatrist for care.  

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. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. 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 Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.