Article originally featured on Omega Underground
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound in some patients with diabetes, and the ulcer appears on the bottom of the foot. Factors such as low blood circulation in the foot, foot deformities, foot becoming numb, and foot irritations may eventually lead to foot ulcer formation. Diabetes is currently the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations in the world.
Patients who have been suffering from diabetes for many years can develop neuropathy.
In this condition, one experiences a reduced, or complete lack of, ability to feel pain in the feet. It is usually due to nerve damage caused by elevated blood glucose levels over time. On average, 25% of diabetic foot ulcers that don't heal will require amputation. Additionally, 10-15% of diabetic foot ulcers do not heal.
Vascular disease can also complicate a foot ulcer because is reduces the body’s ability to heal, therefore increasing risk of infection. The elevations in blood glucose levels can also reduce the body’s ability to fight a potential infection and slow down the healing process.
Who is Likely to Get a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
Although not every diabetic patient is likely to get a diabetic foot ulcer, the following undermining conditions put a patient in at a higher risk of developing an ulcer:
People who inject themselves with insulin
Patients with diabetes-related kidney, eye, and heart disease
Overweight patients who use alcohol and tobacco substances
Symptoms of a Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Pain is not a common symptom for someone who has developed a diabetic foot ulcer. Early signs of a diabetic foot ulcer can be attributed to drainage seen from the foot. On the appearance of drainage, redness and swelling will accompany the ulceration. In extreme cases, the foot ulcer may have an odor present. On noticing any of the above symptoms of a diabetic foot ulcer, patients should visit their podiatrist for treatment, which will significantly reduce the risk for infection and amputation.
How to Care for a Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Diabetic foot ulcer wound care is essential for the fastest-healing result. It is necessary to keep the chances of infections in the foot ulcer low. There are several factors to consider in order to properly care and treat a diabetic foot ulcer:
Off-loading pressure
Removing the dead skin and tissue
Properly dressing and medicating the affected area
Monitoring glucose levels and other health problems
Although not all ulcers are infected, it is vital to keep an ulcer from becoming infected. However, when acquired, the infection can be treatable by administering antibiotics, wound care, and even hospitalization whenever necessary. For one to keep an ulcer from being infected, you should:
Reduce friction and pressure on the foot
Restore adequate blood flow to the foot
Avoid walking barefoot
Treat any infection as soon as possible
In some cases, physicians make recommend Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) to treat the affected area
Preventive Measures of a Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Prevention is the best cure for diabetic foot ulcers. If risk factors such as smoking, consuming alcohol, high cholesterol intake, and elevated blood glucose are reduced, prevention is likely to be successful. Wearing the appropriate shoe size and socks with skin-friendly fabrics will go a long way in reducing the risks. Regularly inspect feet every day, especially on the soles and between the toes. No matter how simple they may seem, should any problem be discovered, it should be immediately reported to a treating podiatrist as soon as possible.
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