Healing Diabetic Foot Wounds: Why Podiatric Wound Care Is Critical

What is a Diabetic Foot Wound?

In addition to the other complications that come with having diabetes, patients typically suffer from poor circulation and nerve damage, especially in their feet. This makes your feet more susceptible to major injuries or other wounds. 

Types of diabetic foot wounds:

• Blisters: Fluid-filled pockets that may form from friction or minor trauma. In people with diabetes, these can become slow-healing or infected.
• Callus-related wounds: Thickened skin from pressure can crack, creating small fissures that can become infected.
• Skin tears or abrasions: Cuts or scrapes from trauma, footwear, or accidental bumps.
• Fungal or bacterial infections of intact skin: These include athlete’s foot or cellulitis, which can weaken the skin and increase the risk of foot ulcers.
• Gangrene or necrosis: Tissue death from severe ischemia (poor blood flow) or infection, which may develop before an ulcer forms.
• Blistering or bullous lesions from neuropathy: Sometimes called “diabetic bullae,” these are spontaneous, fluid-filled lesions not caused by trauma.
• Ulcers: An open sore or wound on the bottom of the foot, sometimes caused by a lack of attention to some of the above-mentioned wounds.

Causes of Diabetic Foot Wounds

Poor circulation and nerve damage can sometimes cause a foot wound to go unnoticed by a person with diabetes. They may not feel that there’s anything wrong, even if there’s been major damage, such as a blister or fungal infection. As such, they may not get the wound treated while it’s still minor, causing it to worsen and develop new complications.

Poor circulation also means that minor wounds don’t heal as quickly as they otherwise might. Remaining open and untreated for too long makes it more likely that these wounds will become infected.

When to See a Diabetic Foot Care Specialist

Those with diabetes should see a podiatrist regularly for routine checks on the health of their feet. It’s a good idea to establish a baseline exam before you have problems so that your podiatrist can tell when something’s wrong.

If you notice any of the following symptoms in your feet, see a diabetic foot care specialist immediately:

• Tingling, burning, or pain
• An ingrown toenail, blister, or corn
• A change in the skin color
• A change in the skin temperature
• A fungal infection, like athlete’s foot
• Dry or cracked skin
• Loss of hair anywhere on your lower leg, ankle, or foot
• Numbness or non-sensitivity to heat or cold
• Thick, yellow toenails

Basic Treatment for Diabetic Foot Wounds

You should always see your podiatrist as soon as possible if you notice signs of a diabetic foot wound. However, there are some basic home treatments to try while you wait for your appointment.

• Clean the wound daily: Gently wash the wound with mild soap and warm water. Avoid using harsh antiseptics that can further damage the tissue. Pat dry with a clean towel.
• Apply appropriate dressings: Use sterile gauze or specialized wound dressings to keep the area moist and protected. Change the dressings as needed, usually once daily or if soiled.
• Control your blood sugar levels: Maintaining stable blood sugar helps your body heal faster and reduces the risk of infection.
• Reduce pressure and protect the foot: Avoid walking barefoot. Use cushioned footwear to prevent further injury.
• Look out for signs of infection: Watch for redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or a foul odor. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect an infection.
• Promote circulation: Gentle movement or foot exercises can improve blood flow, but avoid activities that put pressure on the wound.
• Moisturize the surrounding skin: Keep the surrounding skin soft to prevent cracks, but don’t apply lotion directly on the wound.
• Natural barriers: Some patients use protective, medical-grade honey or aloe vera dressings, which may support healing. Speak with your doctor before trying these.

Remember that none of these are substitutes for seeing a doctor. Only your podiatrist can fully diagnose the extent of the problem and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

What Your Doctor Can Do

Depending on the severity of your wound and how long you’ve had it for, your podiatrist may need to:

• Drain pus from the wound.
• Remove or cut away dead tissue.
• Apply medicated bandages or prescribe ointments.
• Prescribe a wheelchair, orthotic footwear, or crutches to help you keep weight off the affected foot.
• Prescribe antibiotics to prevent or reduce infection.
• Treat the wound with “adjunctive” therapy, which may include:
  • Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT): Uses suction to promote healing in deep or chronic wounds.
  • Growth factors or bioengineered skin substitutes: These stimulate tissue regeneration in hard-to-heal ulcers.
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Provides high oxygen levels to support healing in severe or non-healing wounds.

In the most severe cases, you may need surgery to fully heal the wound and prevent further complications. This is why it’s important for people with diabetes to carefully monitor their feet and see their doctor at the first sign of anything out of the ordinary.

Preventing Diabetic Foot Wounds

Your best bet in preventing diabetic foot wounds is to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels. You can also:

• Check your feet every day and look for the signs we included above.
• Avoid the risk of ingrown toenails and the infections they cause by keeping your toenails trimmed and filed straight across. 
• Wear well-fitting socks and shoes, or compression socks. Avoid tight shoes that restrict circulation to your feet and toes.
• Avoid extreme temperatures around your feet.
• Remember to use sunscreen on your feet if they’ll be exposed to the sun.
• Check in with your podiatrist regularly.
• Stay active.
• Don’t smoke.

Plymouth Podiatry Is Your Diabetic Foot Care Specialist

Whether you’ve had diabetes for years or were just diagnosed, Plymouth Podiatry is your diabetic foot care specialist in Massachusetts. Let us help you take care of your feet and avoid diabetic complications!

Contact us online, or call one of our offices at (866) 536-4446 (Plymouth) or (508) 936-3028 (Raynham) to speak with us about diabetic foot care today.