|
Do you find it painful to walk at times or notice drainage or redness on any part of your foot? If so, you may have a foot ulcer. Ulcers are open sores in the skin, which occur when the outer layers of the skin are injured and the deeper tissues become exposed. Foot ulcers develop on the sides, top or soles of the feet. Diabetics are more prone to these wounds as a result of nerve damage caused by diabetes, poor circulation to the foot, foot deformities such as hammertoes or bunions, and other health problems that arise from having diabetes. Ulcers may become infected, which can be limb or life threatening. Foot infections caused by ulcers account for one quarter of all diabetics' hospital admissions in the U.S. Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations in the United States, as well, and approximately 20 percent of patients with diabetes who develop an infected foot ulcer require an amputation. Research suggests that the development of a foot ulcer is preventable with proper care and help from your podiatrist. How do Diabetic Foot Ulcers Form? Ulcers can form due to a combination of factors, such as lack of feeling in the foot, poor circulation, foot deformities, irritation, and trauma. Patients that have diabetes for many years can develop neuropathy, a reduced or complete lack of ability to feel pain in the feet due to nerve damage caused by elevated blood glucose levels over time. Nerve damage can often occur without pain and one may not even be aware of the problem. Your podiatrist can test your feet for neuropathy with simple and painless tools. Once an ulcer is diagnosed, it is important to seek care immediately. Foot ulcers in patients with diabetes should be treated to reduce the risk of infection and amputation, to improve function and quality of life, and to reduce health care costs. The primary goal in treating foot ulcers is to trigger healing as soon as possible. The faster you heal, the less chance there will be for an infection. Treatment of your Ulcer A diabetic foot ulcer occurs in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes and is commonly located on the bottom of the foot. For those who develop a foot ulcer, six percent will be hospitalized due to infection or other ulcer-related complication. Seek care early for wounds or ulcers that do not show evidence of rapid healing. Your treating podiatrist or other physician should provide a comprehensive treatment program for your diabetic foot ulcer to include: • Prevention of infection
• Taking the pressure off the area ("off-loading")
• Removing dead skin and tissue ("debridement")
• Applying medication or dressings to the ulcer
• Managing blood glucose and other health problems
In order to keep your ulcers from becoming infected follow these tips:
• Keep blood glucose levels under control
• Keep the ulcer clean and bandaged
• An over the counter antibiotic cream may be applied to the ulcer daily
• Avoid use of hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or iodine, which are caustic to ulcers
• Cleanse the wound daily, using a wound dressing or bandage
• Do not walk barefoot
Prevent a Foot Ulcer The best way to treat a diabetic foot ulcer is to prevent its development. One of the most important preventative measures is to visit your podiatrist on a regular basis. Your podiatrist can determine if you are at high risk for developing a foot ulcer and implement stages for prevention. Reducing your risk factors such as smoking, excessive use of alcohol, high cholesterol, and elevated blood glucose are important in the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. If you have diabetes, ulcers or wounds, visit your Scottsdale podiatrist today for consultation on proper care for your feet. Prevention is key in maintaining healthy, happy feet.
Sean Hartmen writes for premier podiatrist in Scottsdale, Dr. David Richer. Offering an array of services, Dr. Richer has been practicing podiatry in Scottsdale since 2001. He provides medical and surgical care of the foot, ankle, and leg. Dr. Richer, Scottsdale podiatrist, has specialty training in treating diabetics, neuropathy, wounds, ulcers and peripheral nerve problems.
|
