An Expert™s Guide to Diabetic Wound Care

Diabetic wounds can be a dangerous thing. The chronic disease restricts your body from using glucose (sugar), the way it should. This can result in complications that make it harder for wounds to heal. Your immune system is often weakened, allowing infection an opportunity to set in. Also, diabetes decreases blood flow and that blocks the healing process, again opening the door to infection. Neuropathy, a loss of sensation, can also be a problem, since it can keep you from feeling the pain of a wound right away. In addition, nerve damage can result in deformities like hammertoes which rub on shoes and increase your risk of abrasions. For these reasons, practicing proper wound care is extremely important if you have diabetes. Dr. Raymond A. DiPretoro Jr. can help.

Serious Business

A wound that becomes infected can cause more than just pain and discomfort. It can also cause such extensive damage to bone and tissue that amputation is necessary. With the help of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center Inc., you can prevent this from happening. Our expert doctors specialize in the treatment and care of diabetic wounds and can help you prevent not only amputation, but also the development of additional wounds in the future.

Treatment

The primary goal of diabetic wound care is to get the healing process going as soon as possible to lessen any chance of infection. The term off-loading refers to taking the pressure off of the area. Removing dead tissue, a process called debridement, is another helpful procedure. Keeping your wound clean and bandaged is a must, and many times medication is prescribed that should be applied as directed.

Surgical options

For severe cases, surgical options may need to be considered. This could include shaving or removal of bones to correct a deformity like hammer toes or bunions that is causing the wound. If infection has gone too far and caused serious damage, so that you are facing possible amputation, Dr. Raymond A. DiPretoro, Jr. can provide an alternative procedure called limb salvage surgery. This preserves the limb by removing only the affected bone and tissue, and replacing it with rods and skin grafts.

Prevention

The main thing you can do to avoid serious issues is to maintain healthy glucose levels. Monitor them diligently, and be sure to adhere to your diet and daily exercise program. Foot self-exams should also be part of your daily routine. Learn the essentials of diabetic foot care in order to prevent complications. Keep feet, shoes, and socks dry and clean. Make sure that your shoes fit well. Keep your toenails trimmed and skin moisturized. If you do notice an ulcer or wound of any kind, see us immediately.

If you are concerned with diabetic wounds on your foot that don’t seem to be healing, do not wait to call us at (302) 623-4250. The experts at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center, Inc. can provide you with the wound care you need to avoid serious complications. Keeping your feet healthy is a key factor in living with diabetes. Learn more at any of our locations in Glasgow, Wilmington and Newark, DE.

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Please call us at (302) 355-0056.
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