A Diabetic Foot Ulcer Must Be Treated Properly

Fifteen percent of the 37 million Americans with diabetes will develop ulcers (open sores or wounds) on their soles. An infection or related complication will force six percent of those 15 to be hospitalized. Podiatrists are the medical specialists who treat foot ulcers.

The office of Kirkland Office cares for the wide spectrum of problems that involve feet. We know the significance of foot comfort, and all of our patients are given as much time and attention as they need.

The best way to heal ulcers on the foot—particularly those on the sole—is to offload them, which means minimizing or removing body weight on the foot. You will use crutches, special footgear, a brace, a wheelchair or specific casting. These tools help accelerate the healing process by decreasing irritation and pressure on the ulcer and its surrounding tissue. 

Wound treatment has improved over the past decade. The “let it breathe” course of treatment is no longer endorsed. Open-air healing is now known to slow down the recuperation. Keeping them covered and moist makes them heal more quickly and lowers the risk of infection. Safer and more effective wound management includes using topical medications, dressings and skin substitutes. A diabetic person with a foot ulcer must monitor and control his (or her) blood glucose. This vigilance will improve the healing process and cut down his risk of complications. 

Most people with foot ulcers that aren’t infected won’t have to take the surgical route. However, non-infected ulcers that don’t respond well to topical care may have to rely on surgical options. Invasive procedures to eliminate pressure on the ulcer can include shaving or removing one or more bones, and correcting a variety of irregularities such as bunions, hammertoes or bumps on a bone. 

It can take a few weeks or a few months for a foot ulcer to close up. It depends on various elements, such as the size and location of the ulcer, the amount of blood circulation that the ulcer and its surrounding area were exposed to during recovery, blood glucose levels, swelling and the type of topical medications that were employed. 

No matter what kind of foot problem from which you suffer, count on the expertise of everyone at Kirkland Office. We will scrupulously evaluate the health of your feet and patiently answer all of your questions. Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment.