Foot & Ankle Wound Care in Southeastern Massachusetts
A wound is damage to or a break in the skin. Wounds can be caused by any number of factors, including sports accidents, shoe friction, punctures, scrapes, or cuts. Because the skin around feet and ankles is so close to the bones, urgent, proper treatment helps heal the wound and prevents infection and further damage.
Pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure cause poor circulation, which may worsen the wound and lead to infection or gangrene. If continued to be left untreated, this increases the risk of amputation. Diabetes can also cause wounds or ulcers in the feet due to related conditions such as nerve damage, poor circulation, and high blood sugar.
Plymouth Podiatry explains everything you need to know about diabetic foot wounds, including how they can be treated.
Diabetic Foot Wounds
FAQ: Diabetic Foot Wounds
Q: What are the signs of a diabetic foot wound?
- New and unexplained cuts, blisters, or sores
- Frequent bleeding
- Dry, cracked skin
- Thick, yellow toenails
- A tingling sensation, burning pain, or no feeling at all (numbness)
- Skin discoloration
- Small ulcers that won’t heal
- Foul smells
Not all of these symptoms mean you have a diabetic foot wound. If you’re not sure, see your podiatrist for a professional diagnosis.
Q: Can I treat my diabetic foot wound myself?
A: Typically, your podiatrist will develop a treatment plan with you that addresses the cause of your wound, the specific symptoms, and your lifestyle. While you wait for your appointment, some home remedies to try include:
- Cleaning the wound
- Draining any pus
- Applying topical ointments such as clotrimazole
- Covering the wound with fresh, clean gauze
- Resting the affected foot as much as possible
Again, schedule a visit with your podiatrist as soon as you think you might have a diabetic foot wound. You may need prescription antibiotics or other forms of professional treatment that only they can provide.
Q: What happens if I don’t treat my diabetic foot wound in a timely manner?
Charcot’s foot, while rare, can damage the joints in your feet so badly that you can no longer use your foot. It also often leads to the spread of infection throughout the rest of your body.
Q: How can I prevent diabetic foot ulcers?
A: The best way to prevent diabetic foot ulcers is to manage your blood sugar. Talk to your diabetes doctor (usually an endocrinologist) about lifestyle changes and management plans that can help you maintain healthy blood flow to your feet.
Taking good care of your feet also helps. Check your feet every day for noticeable changes. Make sure your socks and shoes fit well. Trim and file your toenails in a straight line to prevent ingrowns. You should also make sure to elevate your feet when you can and wiggle your toes, which will help increase blood flow. Try to minimize walking around barefoot.
Finally, if you know you have diabetes, see a podiatrist regularly. They can get a baseline assessment of your feet and will notice if something’s wrong.
Plymouth Podiatry & Diabetic Foot Wounds
At Plymouth Podiatry, we treat all types of foot wounds – including those caused by diabetes. When you come to see us, we’ll start by asking you about your lifestyle, habits, diabetes history, and symptoms. We’ll then perform a thorough exam of your toes, feet, ankles, and legs to look for signs of infections or numbness.
For very deep wounds, we’ll recommend you for an X-ray or MRI to check for further damage below the skin. We’ll also take skin or discharge samples and test them for infections.
Depending on the severity of your infection, we may prescribe antibiotics or a wheelchair or crutches to help you keep weight off the affected foot for a period of time.
Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable! Make an appointment with Plymouth Podiatry today to take care of your feet.