Diabetic Foot Ulcers Treatment and prevention methods
What are Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
Diabetic foot ulcers are the open wounds or sores that mostly appear on the feet of diabetic patients. These causes are combined with variables such as abnormal function neuropathy (nerve damage), poor circulation, and immune system dysfunction. Neuropathy decreases the capacity to feel pain or discomfort, making injuries more likely to go unseen. Poor circulation slows down recovery even more, and weakened immunity raises the chance of infection.
Diabetic foot ulcer symptoms
- Poor circulation: Poor blood circulation is a type of vascular disease. Poor circulation might also make diabetic ulcer healing more difficult.
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia): High glucose levels can slow the healing of diabetic ulcer infections.
- Nerve damage: nerve damage reduces sensitivity to foot pain and results in painless wounds, which can lead to diabetic foot ulcers.
- Irritated or wounded feet: Diabetic ulcers are distinguished by drainage from the affected area, and, sometimes a lumps are noticed that are not painful
- Poor Immune Function: High blood sugar levels linked with diabetes can decrease the immune system; when a wound occurs, the body's ability to fight off infection decreases
- Detecting Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Early identification of diabetic foot ulcers is critical for preventing difficulties. Diabetes patients should look for any changes in skin colour, warmth, or the presence of strange sensations.
Complications of diabetic foot ulcers
- Infection is a major complication. The open wound of diabetic foot ulcers allows bacteria to enter. Diabetic wound infection spreads quickly and, if not treated promptly, can result in cellulitis, osteomyelitis, and systemic infections.
- Abscess Formation Pus-filled pockets (abscesses) can form within or surrounding the ulcer, causing pain, diabetic leg swelling and an increased risk of systemic infection.
- Diabetic foot ulcers may take longer to heal due to factors such as reduced circulation and compromised immune function.
- Chronic ulcers and infections can cause structural abnormalities in the foot, including deformities. This can impair mobility and generate new pressure points, increasing the risk of developing new ulcers.
- In severe cases, when complications become uncontrollable or if extensive tissue damage occurs, amputation of the affected toe, foot, or part of the leg may be necessary to save the person's life.
Diabetic foot ulcers treatment
Taking care of the wound. Draining the ulcer of any fluid or pus. Debridement is the removal or cutting away of dead or infected tissue. Special bandages and diabetic wound healing ointment are used to absorb excess fluid, protect the wound, and aid in its healing. Offloading is the use of a wheelchair or crutches to transfer weight off the injured foot. Antibiotics, either oral or intravenous, are prescribed to control and remove infection. Your healthcare practitioner may recommend hospitalisation depending on the severity of the infection. Amputation is sometimes required to prevent infection from spreading to other parts of the body.
Find a diabetic foot ulcer wound care specialist at Medicover.
- Diabetic foot ulcer treatment of several types.
- Diabetic foot screening includes assessment of diabetic neuropathy and blood flow to the foot.
- Peripheral angioplasty for limb ischemia is a procedure in which a blood artery blockage is opened with a tiny puncture utilising balloons and wires.
- Diabetes problems can be avoided by performing regular maintenance, caring for corns and calluses, and following up on ulcerations.
- Any type of chronic non-healing arterial, venous, or neuropathic ulcer is treated.
- Diabetic footwear consists of both conventional and offloading footwear.
Prevention methods
- Maintain proper foot hygiene. Wash your feet every day with soap and warm water. Dry your feet thoroughly, paying specific attention to the areas between the toes. Moisturising lotion should be applied to dry regions but not between the toes.
- Wear comfortable shoes and soft, absorbent socks. Before putting on your shoes, always inspect them for foreign objects and rough spots. If your socks become wet or sweaty, change them right away.
