Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Proper management of diabetic foot ulcers is essential for diabetics who are prone to this condition.

A diabetic foot ulcer is a condition that may occur in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Diabetics often experience nerve damage in the foot and may not feel sharp objects in their shoes. They may get cut when walking on these sharp objects. Cuts eventually form calluses that develop into ulcers. 

Ulcers are unpleasant, but the proper treatment and management can keep them under control. With the right approach, you can prevent a more serious medical condition. Learn the steps for how to treat diabetic sores on your feet.

Who is at Risk for Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

Diabetic foot ulcers are likely to occur in diabetics with peripheral neuropathy and peripheral artery disease. Both conditions are related to diabetes and reduce feeling in the legs and extremities. 

People with peripheral neuropathy are also prone to foot deformities and dry skin which increase the risk of calluses. These calluses eventually fall off leaving an open wound, or ulcer, underneath. Ulcers often become infected and may lead to foot amputations.

How Do You Treat a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

A diabetic foot ulcer can be treated through surgical and non-surgical methods. Your doctor may recommend:

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Wound Care: Your doctor may clean out your wound to prevent an infection and prevent it from getting worse. 
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: This therapy involves breathing in pure oxygen. It stimulates growth factors and stem cell repair to support healing. Although effective, it is not available at many facilities. 
• Custom Braces and Orthotics: Custom braces and orthotics can change the way you walk redistributing pressure and supporting the ulcer. It reduces friction allowing the ulcer to heal.

Surgical Treatment

• Debridement: This relatively non-invasive surgery involves the doctor removing the infected tissue from the ulcer. 
• Bone Removal or Shaving: This method can address foot deformities reducing pressure on the affected area. It can correct bunions and bony bumps. 
• Amputation: Amputation may be necessary if the tissue is extremely damaged. 
• Vascular Surgery: Vascular surgery may be necessary if a lack of blood flow prevents the wound from healing.  
• Joint Realignment: This procedure can relieve pressure on the affected area, correct deformities, and realign gait.

How to Clean a Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Cleaning is a common part of how to heal a diabetic foot ulcer. It involves: 

1. Removing dead tissue around the wound
2. Applying bandages to keep the wound clean while it heals
3. Using an antibacterial ointment to speed healing and prevent infection

Cleaning should take place daily. Your doctor may show you the proper technique for wound cleaning. After that, you can clean your wound at home.

How to Manage Diabetic Foot

There are several methods for how to treat diabetic sore on the feet. However, you can also apply management techniques to speed healing and make ulcers more bearable. Recommended methods include: 

• Off-loading: You may reduce pressure on the foot by using a wheelchair, crutches, or customized orthotics and braces.  
• Blood Glucose Management: Keep blood sugar levels under control by eating healthy, hydrating, getting enough sleep, and engaging in stress-relieving exercises. These lifestyle changes will help your body fight the infection. 
• Stop Smoking: Smoking impacts circulation making foot problems worse. If you are a smoker at high risk for foot ulcers, consider smoking cessation programs.

FAQs

How to Treat Diabetic Ulcers on Legs?

Leg ulcers are also common in diabetes patients. Individuals with leg ulcers may follow a similar process as how to treat diabetic foot wounds. Wound care, pressure relief, and topical medications are often recommended. Doctors may also recommend compression therapy and skin grafts for larger ulcers.

What are the Treatment for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Stages?

Doctors will typically begin with non-surgical and non-invasive methods. These are often considered the best way to treat diabetic foot ulcers as they are less expensive than surgery and don’t require extended healing times. If non-surgical methods don’t work, they may move on to more complex procedures. 

What Should You Never Do to Someone with a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

Never use a nail file, nail clipper, scissors or chemical wart removers to treat warts. See a provider if you detect any calluses, warts, or corns on your feet.

How Can You Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

You can prevent diabetic foot ulcers by keeping your toenails neatly trimmed. Wear moisture-wicking socks and comfortable shoes and avoid walking barefoot.

Feetsee Can Help with the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Feetsee is an innovative diabetic foot monitoring system that can help people wondering how to help their diabetes foot. The at-home medical device monitors foot temperature to detect signs of inflammation. Inflammation can be an underlying sign of conditions that cause diabetic foot such as nerve damage, high blood sugar, and poor circulation. 

Talk to your provider to learn more about our effective monitoring device.