If you develop a diabetic foot ulcer, it is important to promptly seek care from your healthcare provider, wound care specialist, podiatrist or wound clinic. A team approach is best to heal diabetic ulcers and prevent complications. This article reviews key interventions and wound care steps.
See a Wound Care Provider
A wound care provider or podiatrist can:
- Assess and diagnose the ulcer - location, size, depth, infection risk
- Perform advanced wound debridement and cleaning
- Obtain cultures to identify bacteria causing infection
- Provide advanced dressings and treatments
- Prescribing and in some circumstances applying offloading such as total contact casts, removable cast walkers, and wedge shoe inserts
- Monitor healing progress and adjust treatment
Controlling Blood Sugar
Keeping blood glucose levels in target range promotes healing. Work closely with your diabetes doctor and check levels routinely.
Offloading Pressure
Reducing pressure on the ulcer is crucial. Options include:
- Using crutches or knee scooter to avoid walking
- Wearing special diabetic shoes and custom inserts
- Casting or bracing the foot to redistribute pressure
- Bed rest with leg elevation
Promoting Circulation
Your doctor may recommend:
- Compression stockings to improve venous circulation
- Medications to dilate blood vessels
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to enhance oxygen delivery
- Ordering and following vascular ultrasounds
- Referral to a vascular specialist
Treating Infection
Signs like redness, pus and foul odor indicate infection. Antibiotics may be prescribed. Strictly follow directions.
Proper Wound Care
Steps for caring for the ulcer at home:
- Keep the wound dressing clean, maintain proper moisture balance, and change dressings regularly
- Gently wash around the wound, do not soak or scrub
- Watch for changes or worsening and report immediately
- Keep off the foot as much as possible
- Use offloading devices if you possess or are prescribed
- Eat a balanced diet high in vitamins and protein
Consistent care under a specialist's guidance offers the best chance of diabetic ulcer healing and prevention of complications like amputation. Be vigilant with at-home wound care and blood sugar control as well.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only, not medical advice. Consult your healthcare team for proper diabetic and ulcer treatment.
References
Hingorani, A., LaMuraglia, G. M., Henke, P., Meissner, M. H., Loretz, L., Zinszer, K. M., Driver, V. R., Frykberg, R., Carman, T. L., Marston, W., Mills, J. L., & Murad, M. H. (2016). The management of diabetic foot: A clinical practice guideline by the Society for Vascular Surgery in collaboration with the American Podiatric Medical Association and the Society for Vascular Medicine. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 63(2), 3S-21S.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvs.2015.10.003
Kavarthapu, V., Dufresne, C., & Kim, P. J. (2022). Diabetic foot infections. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
Le, L., Zhang, X., Mullins, R., Krishnaswamy, G., Steinberg, J., & Stone, P. (2021). Current perspectives on the diabetic foot microbiome. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(3), 1119.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22031119
Schaper, N. C., Van Netten, J. J., Apelqvist, J., Lipsky, B. A., Bakker, K., & International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot. (2020). Prevention and management of foot problems in diabetes: A Summary Guidance for Daily Practice 2015, based on the IWGDF Guidance Documents. Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews, 36(S1), e3266.
https://doi.org/10.1002/dmrr.3266
Stay tuned for more insightful content on the role of nutrition in health and healing from Condition Directed Supplements.