Diabetic foot ulcers are very serious and should not be ignored.
You should see a medical professional as soon as you suspect a problem such as a change to the skin on your feet.
If you have diabetes, then you are more prone to this type of skin lesion, particularly if you have had previous problems with ulcers.
Follow these five things to help stop the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers.
- Check your feet regularly. Look for any changes to the skin on your feet and ankles; this should be done in conjunction with regular foot checks carried out by your doctor or diabetic nurse.
- Keep your blood sugar levels under control. Doctor prescribed protocols should be followed such as for medication and nutrition. The foods that you choose are a very important part of your avoidance of diabetic complications You can even enjoy delicious foods such as Bell Pepper Mini Quiche, Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai, and other fantastic heart healthy foods.
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10 Heart Healthy Foods - Stop smoking; and if you don’t smoke, don’t start. Smoking is linked to poor circulation and high blood pressure. In turn, these are both linked to increased risk of diabetic foot ulcers and prolonged healing time.
- Wear the right shoes. If your shoes rub or pinch, they will increase your chances of developing a host of foot-related issues, including ulcers. If you already have an ulcer, then tight footwear will irritate it and potentially make wound care harder.
- See a specialist. A specialist can advise on the right course of treatment for hard-to-heal wounds.
Risks Of Delaying Treatment
Treatment of #diabetic foot ulcer conditions, as with any other ulcer, should never be delayed. Click To TweetEarly diagnosis and treatment improves the chances of full closure of the wound. Additionally, it will minimize the risk of recurrence and complications. You can ensure you get on the right prescription program as well, which companies like Benecard PBF manage. The results of complications to foot ulcers can be complex for a diabetic.
Ignoring a diabetic foot ulcer treatment will only cause continued problems.
If you do not have normal pain responses in your feet due to nerve damage, and do not check your feet regularly, the first signs that you have a wound care issue may be wound leakage on your footwear. The problem is that by this stage, you are already at risk from complications.
Once an ulcer is showing signs of leaking, it has usually reached the definition of a grade three or four ulcers. This means there is already extensive damage to the skin at several layers and to the surrounding tissues.
At stage four, you may already be experiencing damage to the muscles and bones in the foot.
As well as increasing healing time, this leaves you at risk of infection from bacteria that can cause severe necrosis, blood poisoning and gangrene. Diabetes complicates the treatment for any wound. A combination of the right treatments and staying off the affected foot can stop the spread of these problems. However, if these do not work, then use of the foot may be lost through damage. Amputation becomes a very real risk.
Significant fluctuations in your blood sugar levels affect blood flow to your extremities and increase your risk of developing further foot ulcers. These should not be ignored.
Naturally Yours,
Elise Ho, Ph.D., D.N.Psy
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32 thoughts on “5 Things To Do If You Have A Diabetic Foot Ulcer”
Really great to know. Not something I have expreienced but I know this will help people!
I am happy to hear that you have not had the experience.
Glad I came over to this post. This is new to me and indeed another piece of information I learned today. Definitely sharing with my friend who has diabetes about this foot ulcer. Thanks for sharing this with your readers.
Thank you for sharing with your friend.
Thanks a lot for these tips. Will start following them!
You’re welcome.
I had never heard about this kind of ulcer. Thanks for sharing. I’ll take care and follow your tips.
With awareness of different ways to keep your health you will do well.
I have never heard of a foot ulcer before. These are great tips! I agree that the foods you choose are so important part of your avoidance of diabetic complications.
I am happy to hear that you have never had this issue. It is quite painful.
Wear the right shoes. This is the best tip! Also, check with your doctor. You need to have a lifestyle change.
My grandmother always pointed out that you must have a good foundation… shoes and bra! LOL
This sounds so painful. It is good to know how to deal with conditions and be educated about your health.
Knowledge is power. This is true for handling illness and avoiding illness.
That sounds painful and a hard thing to go through. You provide great helpful tips to get relief.
Yes, definitely painful. I hope that you never have such a thing.
Foot ulcers are definitely painful. These are fantastic tips to help those with similar ailments.
Several of these tips can be used to avoid health complications brought on by other situations.
I have never known that there is an illness called a diabetic foot ulcer.
I will def inform my family and friends about this case. Thank you!
This ailment actually affects about 15% of people with diabetes. I hope this information helps your family and friends to avoid this pain.
I am diabetic and I am very careful not to hurt my foot, toes or fingers. I have not been able to keep my blood sugar in check these past two months so I am practicing caution everytime. No walking barefoot for now.
You are taking precautions and being very careful. Check out these tips to keep your blood sugar in check.
Thanks for the tips! We’ve had a run in with diabetes in our clan and want to avoid complications as much as possible. Any specific shoe brands you recommend?
I think that these Orthoshoes are pretty cute and they get great reviews.
Great article! I must admit, I´ve never heard about this condition ! It´s good to always educate oneself!
Education is key 🙂 It is great to learn about different things.
This is so important! Foot ulcers like this are nothing to ignore or brush off. They are indicators of big, big problems.
They are definitely indicative of very large problems.
Great tips. I think the biggest one is keep your blood sugar in order. I had a family member who just would not do it, and the foot ulcer was the least of his problems. He finally passed from kidney failure.
I am sorry to hear about your family member. Keeping your blood sugar at a healthy level is an important factor for a lifelong of health.
I’ve never heard of a foot ulcer before! I will definitely read more about that as both of my parents are Diabetic.
Thank you, Heather. Your parents are lucky to have you.