If you notice an open sore or a wound on your foot that is taking too long to heal then it might be a foot ulcer that can lead to tissue damage if not treated properly. Ulcers on the foot or ankle might appear like minor injuries during the early stages but it is important to get them treated before it gets worse. If foot ulcers are not treated, they may get infected and cause tissue loss, amputation, serious infections, or infections that spread to other parts of the body.
One of the main reasons for foot amputations in the US is diabetes. Amputation may be necessary for nearly 25% of patients with diabetes who develop a foot wound. Diabetic foot wounds or ulcers are infections that develop on the feet of patients with diabetes. It is usually an opening that occurs at the bottom of the foot. Due to this, visiting an experienced podiatrist becomes essential for treating foot ulcers or wounds and understanding how to take care of them.
Dr. Sima Soltani is the best foot and ankle specialist Orange County who has an experience of over 2 decades in treating patients having any kind of ankle or foot problems. They are the most trustworthy podiatry Irvine, California clinic that specializes in non-surgical treatments and is dedicated to improving health through preventive care and recommended treatments related to foot trauma. They provide an array of services like treatments of bunions, joints and ankle sprains, diabetic foot care, hammertoes, plantar warts, wound, neuroma, custom orthotics, diabetic shoes, laser fungal nails, and sports injuries. Call them for an appointment to get the best treatment for your foot and ankle problems.
Why is wound care important for diabetic patients?
Certain medical conditions like diabetes can slow down the healing process due to poor blood circulation in your feet. This is why it’s crucial to seek the help of an Orange County wound care podiatrist if you have a wound. After all, treating a wound needs more specialized care than needed for a simple cut or burn.
Moreover, diabetic patients might also develop neuropathy which is caused due to nerve damage and high blood sugar and results in partial or complete loss of feeling in the foot pain. Nerve deterioration occurs silently and painlessly in neuropathy. Due to this, the patient might not even be aware of the issue or how it is developing. However, your podiatrist uses an instrument called a monofilament to test the neuropathy in your feet to see if the problem is present.
Taking care of a wound
The main goal in treating foot ulcers is to heal them quickly. The quicker the ulcer is treated and gets healed, the lesser the chances of a foot infection.
There are many ways to take care of a diabetic foot ulcer or wound to ensure and lower the risk of infection.
- Monitoring blood sugar levels and managing them properly.
- Cleaning and disinfecting the wound properly as soon as possible after injury.
- Treating the wound with antibacterial dressings.
- Applying antibiotic cream to prevent infection.
- Removing dead tissues and skin from the incision through a debridement procedure.
- Dressing the ulcer wound.
- Ensuring that you are wearing the proper footwear to relieve pressure on the wound.
Taking care of wounds through the off-loading method
Off-loading is recommended for ulcers that are at the bottom of the foot. Off-loading promotes quick healing by reducing friction, irritation, and pressure on the foot ulcer region. Podiatrists would suggest off-loading in which special casting, braces, crutches, or using a wheelchair is advised.
The techniques and materials for wound care and treatment have considerably improved with time. The thumb rule is that ulcer wounds heal more quickly and with a decreased risk of infection if you keep your wound away from microscopic particles, moisture and covered. The use of hydrogen peroxide, powerful betadine, or soaking the wound in saltwater and exposing it to whirlpools needs to be avoided.
Your specialist for wound care Orange County would advise using stem cell dressings, wound dressings, normal saline, skin substitutes, and applying ointments for a proper wound care strategy. Moreover, the more blood flow is in the wound area, the faster the healing process. Hence, it is important to manage blood sugar levels for proper and fast treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.