Diabetic Foot Woes? Conquer Ulcers with Prevention and Home Care
For those living with diabetes, vigilant foot care is paramount. High blood sugar weakens nerves, impairs circulation, and makes even minor cuts, blisters, or calluses into serious threats. Left unchecked, these can evolve into chronic diabetic foot ulcers, a leading cause of amputations.
Goldsmith Podiatry is dedicated to helping you walk away from foot and ankle complications, one step at a time. And sometimes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That’s the thrust of this post: by prioritizing prevention and practicing daily home care, you can stop diabetic ulcers from taking root in the first place. Let’s get to it!
Prevention is Key
The tips below will assist your efforts to halt any wound-related worries before they start.
Give your feet a thorough once-over daily, checking for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Use a mirror for hard-to-reach spots.
Gentle cleansing is key. Use lukewarm water and mild soap, patting your feet dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. Don't soak – prolonged exposure to moisture can soften skin and invite infection.
Dry, cracked skin is vulnerable territory. Choose a fragrance-free moisturizer specifically for diabetic feet and apply it daily, focusing on dry areas.
Choose comfortable, well-fitting footwear with a wide toe box and good arch support.
Wound Care for Existing Ulcers
When a diabetic wound does present itself, these strategies will help you take targeted action.
Take the pressure off the affected area as much as possible. Use special shoes, casts, or crutches as recommended by your doctor.
Gently clean the ulcer daily with sterile saline solution, following your doctor's instructions. Be careful not to scrub or irritate the wound.
Use proper wound dressings recommended by your podiatrist, changing them as instructed. Keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.
Keeping your blood sugar under control is vital for wound healing.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. If you notice any developing wound or ulcer, visit your podiatrist immediately. Delaying can lead to severe complications.
If you’re struggling with diabetic foot care or wounds, don’t wait; contact our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002 to schedule an appointment with our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff. We’ll get you back on your feet and keep you there.