Diabetic foot ulcers are wounds that can occur in people who have diabetes. These wounds can develop on the feet from diabetic complications such as neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease and problems with wound healing. These complications can reduce blood flow and cause nerve damage. Nerve damage can lead to a loss of feeling in the body, particularly, the feet. This can cause an ordinary cut or scrape into a wound. Without proper blood flow, this can quickly lead to an ulcer
Neuropathy Can Lead to Diabetic Ulcers and Wounds
Neuropathy, a disorder marked by nerve damage, is one of the main factors that contribute to diabetic foot ulcers. Over time, high blood sugar levels can harm the nerves, particularly those in the extremities, like the feet. Because of this, people with neuropathy might not experience pain or discomfort when they sustain a foot injury, which can result in postponing treatment and the development of ulcers.
Peripheral Arterial Disease Causing Diabetic Wounds
Another typical reason for diabetic foot ulcers is peripheral artery disease (PAD). A blockage or narrowing of the blood arteries in the legs and feet causes PAD. Because of the impaired oxygen and nutrition supply to the tissues due to the diminished blood flow, wound healing is challenging. As a result, even small cuts or abrasions have the potential to turn into ulcers.
Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Preventing diabetic ulcers is the best way to avoid complications. Here are some key ways to prevent diabetic wounds and ulcers:
- Keep appointments with your doctors. With diabetes, you need a team of doctors to help. Make sure to keep those appointments to prevent any issues
- Maintain good blood sugar. Maintaining your blood sugar is essential to preventing diabeic problems
- Look for any cuts or areas of redness. Be sure to check your feet everyday with a mirror to check for any seemingly small issues. These small issues can lead to serious problems
- Proper shoes. Be sure to wear diabetic shoes designed to prevent problems.
Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Treatment for diabetic ulcers can vary. A podiatrist will evaluate your foot ulcer and decide the best treatment option. Advanced Foot & Ankle uses many treatment options to heal diabetic foot ulcers. A painless and often favored treatment option is the UltraMist. UltraMist is a painless treatment option for people who have chronic wounds or wounds that are painful to treat. This treatment uses mist to debride the wound and treat the wound deeper.