People with diabetes often develop wounds on their feet due to complications such as a weakened immune system, nerve damage, or a narrowing of the arteries. The healing process for people with diabetes can be compromised due to poor circulation and a reduced amount of oxygen in the bloodstream—both of which are necessary for healing to take place. Diabetic wounds that are not treated properly and promptly can be dangerous and may lead to infections, ulcers, bone or nerve damage and—in the most severe cases—amputation. If you have diabetes, wear comfortable shoes that don’t put pressure anywhere on your feet, keep your skin clean and dry, avoid walking in your bare feet, examine your feet daily for any irregularities, and place yourself under the care of a podiatrist who has clinical therapies and methods for both prevention and treatment.

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. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. 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 one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.