Some diabetes patients may develop an open and painless wound on their feet. The lesion is called a diabetic foot ulcer, and it requires appropriate treatment. Lack of proper and timely diabetic foot ulcer wound care causes widespread infection on a leg, leading to amputation. At least 15% of diabetic patients usually develop foot ulcers. Moreover, about 6% of diabetic foot ulcer patients are hospitalized for complications related to wound infection or complications.
Between 14% and 24% of diabetic patients with foot ulcers require amputation. Furthermore, 85% of diabetic patients requiring amputation of the limb extremities have previously sought foot ulcer treatment. Therefore, patients must learn the causes, treatment, and prevention of the condition.
Causes of Diabetic Foot Ulcer
- Poor blood circulation: High glucose in the blood constricts arteries and narrows the blood vessels. Slim vessels limit blood flow. Consequently, the body is unable to heal itself due to inadequate oxygen distribution.
- High blood sugar: The condition slows down the rate at which the body heals itself
- Nerve damage: The condition prevents patients from perceiving pain. Diabetic patients with damaged nerves may get a foot injury and fail to notice, which may escalate the infection into an ulcer
- Weak immunity: Dietary restrictions on diabetic patients and other factors limiting the body’s ability to fight infections naturally
- Dry skin: Diabetes causes dry skin, which is vulnerable to cracking. The cracks develop into bleeding wounds that fester into ulcers.
Symptoms
- Stained socks
- A painless sore on the lower part of the foot
- A swollen area on the feet
Visiting a Doctor
Diabetic foot ulcer wound care is critical. If a patient picks these symptoms, one should visit a podiatrist immediately. Early treatment will prevent amputation, enable the ulcer to heal faster, and minimize medication costs.
Wound Care:
Wound care begins by preventing infection so that the diabetic foot ulcer can start healing. Doctors advise diabetic patients to:
- Avoid walking or wearing tight shoes to avoid exposing the wound to pressure
- Seek therapy for removal of all the dead and infected skin through the debridement process
- Look for proper medication, which may include oral and topical prescriptions
- Control blood sugar so that the body has healthy blood circulation to foster natural healing
- Use compression wraps, diabetic shoes, casts, and foot braces to prevent wound development; in case they are overweight or suffer from dry skin condition
- Wear shoe inserts to protect them from corns and calluses.
Prevention
Diabetic patients must be proactive in preventing foot ulcers. Doctors advise their clients to do the following:
- Patients should live a healthy life and avoid risk factors; smoking, alcohol intake, or high blood sugar may cause diabetic foot ulcers.
- Patients should avoid wearing tight shoes that can cause wounds on the feet. The shoes should also protect the feet adequately to prevent accidents.
- Diabetes patients must inspect their feet from time to time to check if there are any ulcers. Early detection of open wounds helps prevent infection since clients can start taking the right medication immediately.
- Patients must also take their blood sugar control as advised by the doctor. When the blood glucose level is normal, the oxygen and blood circulation improves around the body; hence, accelerating the rate at which the ulcers heal.
- Diabetic patients should avoid activities or exposures that can cause wounds on their feet. They should stay away from walking barefoot or and exposing themselves to avoidable injuries.
- Patients should eat balanced diets and talk to their doctors on the best ways to boost their immunity.
