Foot wounds can be serious for those with diabetes. A foot ulcer forms when skin tissue breaks down and exposes the layers underneath. When a diabetic foot ulcer develops, it can quickly turn more serious if ignored and not properly treated. If you notice a wound on your foot that is not healing, seek treatment by contacting our Tarrant County foot doctor for help.
Pain Is Not an Indicator
Because diabetes can often cause a lack of sensation in the feet, foot wounds may go unnoticed. Diabetes can cause nerve damage, making it difficult to detect a foot injury. Diabetes can also cause poor healing which makes it difficult for ulcers to heal on their own and can put you at a higher risk of infection or even amputation.
Signs of a Foot Ulcer
- Drainage or blood on your socks or shoes
- Swelling or redness
- Irritation
- Foul odor
According to our Tarrant County foot doctor, as the foot ulcer progresses, you may notice black tissue surrounding the area of the wound that can indicate a more serious infection.
Risk Factors for Diabetic Foot Wounds
Diabetic patients have a greater risk of developing foot wounds for a variety of reasons. If they suffer with neuropathy, which can cause a loss of feeling in the feet, wounds often go unnoticed. Additionally, poor circulation and poor blood flow to the legs and feet can make it more difficult for wounds to heal.
Other Risk Factors
- Wearing shoes that do not fit properly or are too tight
- Not washing your feet daily or drying your feet after bathing
- Improperly trimming your toenails
- Consuming alcohol or using tobacco products
- Being overweight
- Having heart or kidney disease
If you are at risk for a foot ulcer, preventive care is important. Conducting a daily self-exam of your feet to look for signs of abnormalities or injury is critical to detect a problem before it becomes more serious. If you notice any wound that is not healing, contact ouor Tarrant County foot doctor immediately for an evaluation. Even minor foot wounds can turn into something more severe if left untreated and ignored.
Treating a Diabetic Foot Wound
If you notice a wound on your foot, don’t wait to get help. The goal of treatment is to promote healing as soon as possible to prevent serious complications such as infection. Our Tarrant County foot doctor can recommend many treatment options.
Possible Treatment Options
- Off-loading to take pressure off the wound
- Debridement to remove any dead skin or tissue
- Medication applied to the wound
- Applying a dressing or bandage over the wound
- Discussing how to manage a healthy blood glucose level
According to our Tarrant County foot doctor, if foot wounds are ignored and not treated at its earliest stages, it can lead to an infection that may require antibiotics or hospitalization. When caught early, foot ulcers are easier to treat, and that early treatment usually results in a better outcome. The longer you wait and ignore the problem, the more likely an infection will develop. Some infections cannot be controlled and may spread to surrounding tissue and bones. When this occurs and the infection continues to spread, amputation may be needed to save your life.
Contact Our Experienced Tarrant County Foot Doctor Today
If you have signs of a foot wound, contact Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists for a consultation. Our Tarrant County foot doctor can answer your questions and will determine an individualized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
To request an appointment, contact our Grapevine or Keller office by filling out our convenient online contact form or by calling our office at 817-481-4000.
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