Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Another happy Diabetic Foot Ulcer patient!
Don’t be afraid to come in because you think you might lose your foot. The earlier you come in, the better chance we have of actually saving your leg and you going on to full healing and resuming all your daily activities.
This is one real life case study typical of patients we see every single day.
This patient has diabetic neuropathy and didn’t feel the diabetic ulcer until it was very deep. By then it was an infected ulcer and the redness had started to extend into his foot, that’s how he first noticed it. The ulcer was so deep, it went almost to bone.
Diabetic ulcer treatment today is different from your grandmas red solution she would paint on the toe! There are so many options based on how deep the ulcer is, if it’s an infected, what caused it:
- sharp debridement
- enzymatic debridement
- collagen dressings
- antimicrobial dressings
- compression management
Diabetic foot ulcer stages
- grade 0 (intact skin)
- grade 1 (superficial ulcer)
- grade 2 (deep ulcer to tendon, bone, or joint)
- grade 3 (deep ulcer with abscess or osteomyelitis)
- grade 4 (forefoot gangrene)
- grade 5 (whole foot gangrene)
Diabetic pathophysiology
- trauma- friction or rubbing
- neuropathy- diabetic, B-12 deficiency
- peripheral arterial disease (lack of blood supply)
- poor glycemic control (high blood sugar)
Diabetic foot ulcer causes:
- deformity, abnormal bones, arthritis
- swelling and edema, venous disease
- poor circulation
- neuropathy
Healing Begins – Good Wound Care
First we started with the appropriate antibiotic. Wounds will not heal if they are infected.
Then X-rays were taken to check for bone infection.
Our choice of diabetic foot ulcer dressing was a collagen silver mix.
Regular examinations and debridement of dead tissue.
ALL HEALED!
Tips For Foot Care
Even after your diabetic feet is healed, you need to make sure you take good care of it, otherwise chances of it getting worse can increase. Follow the tips given below for a good care:
Footwear
Even on the beach, never walk barefoot. Wear shoes that are both comfy and protective of your feet. Inquire with your doctor regarding diabetic shoe coverage. Having properly fitting shoes reduces the likelihood of difficulties. Before you put on your shoes, look inside them. Check that the lining is smooth and that there are no things within.
Routines
Examine your feet on a daily basis for redness, swelling, blisters, cuts, or soreness. Use a mirror or ask someone to assist you if you can’t see the bottom of your feet. Every day, wash your feet. Dry them completely, paying specific attention to the spaces between the toes.
Avoid exposing your feet to severe temperatures. Protect them from extreme heat and cold. Do not immerse your feet in hot water. As with bathing a baby, always test the water before putting your feet in it. Hot water bottles, heating pads, and electric blankets should never be used. Without realizing it, you can burn your feet.
Unless you can see and reach your toes, have them trimmed by a professional. If you can see and reach your toes, clip them straight across as necessary without cutting them too short. Use an emery board or a nail file to smooth down the edges.
Always apply a thin film of lotion to the feet and avoid the area between the toes.
Once or twice a year, see a foot care specialist or Podiatrist for a complete examination. Avoid smoking since it raises the chance of long-term problems. If you acquire corns, calluses, ingrown nails, or other concerning foot care issues, consult a podiatrist or foot care specialist.