What You Should Know About Diabetic Wounds

Diabetic Risks for Diabetic Feet

  • A small blister simply from wearing the wrong shoe can seriously damage your foot.
  • Injuries heal very slowly and can become infected quickly.
  • If you forget to inspect your feet daily and miss something there can be serious consequences.

Taking Good Care

  • Trim your toenails straight across the top of your toe to avoid ingrown toenails.
  • Use a quality skin lotion to keep your feet soft and moist but avoid leaving any in-between your toes.
  • When purchasing your shoes, consider how they fit without having to break them in. They should be made of soft leather and fit loosely as to not contribute to poor circulation.
  • If your feet become numb, there is a high risk of developing Charcot foot which occurs in people who have neuropathy. It effects the bones and can ultimately change the shape of your foot.
  • Because circulation is a large concern with diabetes, make sure your socks are not restricting blood flow. Try square-toe socks and avoid elastic tops.
  • Wash your feet daily with mild soap and dry them thoroughly by patting them with a towel.
  • Keep your feet warm but do not put them directly into the heat.

Type of Wounds

  • Ulcers can be reversed with the right treatment but when infection sets into the bone, amputation is often the next step.
  • Blisters are somewhat rare but if left unattended they can erupt, so it is good to keep them clean.
  • Scratches and cuts should be monitored but if you keep them clean and covered they shouldn’t become an issue.
  • Bruises are not very harmful unless the skin breaks in which case you need to treat it as a cut.

Anyone who has diabetes can develop a foot ulcer due to a combination of factors, such as poor circulation, friction or pressure, trauma, foot deformities or just wear and tear from having diabetes. It can be a dire situation if any of these conditions progress, therefore, immediate attention is wise.

Mid – Michigan Foot and Ankle Center in Saginaw and Essexville can address your concerns right away so call us at 989-790-8009 and schedule an appointment today. Dr. Andrew H. Cohen specializes in Diabetic wounds and can help eliminate any further damage brought on by diabetes.

 

Contact Us

Send Us an Email

Our Locations

Map & Directions

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed