Sores and wounds on your feet can be uncomfortable, but they can be much more than that for individuals with diabetes. Because diabetes can significantly affect blood flow to your extremities, wounds on your feet can be slow to heal, leaving you at risk for infections and even the possibility of toe or foot amputation. If you’re diabetic, it’s extremely important that you are proactive in your treatment of these wounds on your feet. Below, we share some tips for doing just that.
Caring For Diabetic Foot Sores
Remember that the following is just general advice, and you should consult with your primary care physician to determine the best techniques for caring for wounds on your diabetic feet, as they will be able to provide some individualized advice. With that said, don’t be surprised if they recommend some of the following tips.
1. Regular Foot Checks – In order to proactively treat foot sores, you need to be aware of their presence. You may think that the development of a sore will be obvious, but diabetes can also affect the sensation level in your feet, meaning you may not always notice small or newly formed sores in certain spots. Get in the habit of conducting daily foot checks to spot the early onset of any new sores.
2. Clean Them – You can reduce your risk of problematic bacteria entering the wound site by keeping the sore clean. Clean the area with water and then pat dry with a clean cloth. Regularly clean the area and change your bandages so they don’t get damp or dirty.
3. Bandage Them – Many providers recommend you apply antibiotic cream and a bandage to the sore after you’ve cleaned the area. Covering the area with a bandage will help to control drainage and protect the area while it works to heal.
4. Limit Pressure On The Area – Try to limit pressure on the area where the sore is located. This may be easier said than done based on the location of the sore, but avoid tight fitting shoes or consider orthotic inserts to help take pressure off the sore. Additional stress can cause the sore to enlarge, so try to be protective of the area while healing runs its course.
5. Manage Your Blood Sugar Levels – When your blood glucose levels are high, our white blood cells can’t work as effectively at helping to heal the wound site. Poor blood glucose control can also damage blood vessels and decrease circulation, further slowing the healing process. Having healthy blood glucose levels is important for a number of reasons if you are diabetic, including for wound management.
If you have diabetes and have questions about how the condition can affect your foot health, please reach out to Dr. Silverman and the team at Silverman Ankle & Foot. For more information, give our team at Silverman Ankle & Foot a call today at (952) 224-8500.
