Dealing with Diabetic Ulcers
At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we know that one of the biggest concerns our Nature Coast patients with diabetes face is the development of an ulcer on their legs or feet. The disease of diabetes has several conditions associated with it that conspire to increase the likelihood of ulcers developing. First, nerve damage can decrease your feet’s ability to properly regulate moisture and oils needed to keep skin healthy. When skin becomes very dry, it can start to peel and crack. It opens the way for a sore to form and bacteria to enter the wound and lead to infection.
Identifying an Ulcer
Nerve damage can also reduce sensation in your feet, making it more difficult to identify a cut, injury, blister, rash, or other issues that could develop into an ulcer. An ulcer is an open wound. It can be circular or oval in shape and may appear as a divot or rash on the skin. Color and size of the wound can vary. One critical component of diabetic self-care is the daily inspection of your feet—tops, bottoms, and between the toes—to check for any possibly developing ulcers. If you are unable to see all parts of your feet, ask a family member or caregiver to check for you. If you do spot anything suspicious, even it seems small, or you’re not sure if it’s an ulcer, you should contact our Spring Hill (352 683-5799) or Hudson (727-868-2128) office for an appointment immediately. Our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, will want to examine your feet as soon as possible to determine if an ulcer has formed and the best course of action to take to prevent it from becoming infected.
Treatment
Most diabetic patients with ulcers often suffer from poor circulation—another side effect of the disease. Trying to heal the ulcer as quickly as possible is the goal. Methods employed may include some or all the following:
Keeping weight off the ulcer. Custom orthotics may be prescribed to adjust the foot’s position and redistribute weight over the foot more evenly going forward.
Bandaging to maximize blood flow and simultaneously protect the wound from infection.
Antibiotics may be prescribed to fight infection.
If you develop a foot ulcer, the podiatrist will instruct you on the best way to care for it and will also monitor your wound closely. Detecting a wound in its earliest stages will greatly maximize the treatment methods. Be sure to contact us if you have any reason to believe an ulcer is forming.