What is the Treatment for Diabetic Foot?
Diabetes, especially if it is uncontrolled, can cause ulcers to develop on the feet. These ulcers can be extremely painful and if left untreated can cause serious health problems or even result in the need to amputate the foot. Learning more about diabetic foot ulcers can help you identify when it may be time to seek help from a local podiatrist.
What are Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
Diabetic foot ulcers occur when the skin on the lower legs, usually around the ankles and foot, break down. Once the skin starts to break down, the layers of skin underneath become exposed. If the skin is left exposed it can become infected. Infections if left untreated can spread to the bloodstream or bone. When this happens, you can develop serious health problems and there may even be a need to amputate the lower leg.
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Some signs and symptoms that are common with foot ulcers include:
- Drainage around the foot or ankle that tends to stain the socks or shoes
- Foul smelling odor coming from an open wound on the lower leg
- Unusual swelling
- Skin irritation
- Redness
- Development of black or discolored skin that has a foul odor to it
Treatment Options for Foot Ulcers for Diabetics
The type of treatment that is used will vary depending upon the severity of the ulcer. If the ulcer is relatively small, your doctor may recommend compression wraps or resting your leg. These treatment options help to relieve pressure from the foot which allows the ulcer to heal.
Severe foot ulcers may need more intense treatment. Treatment for severe ulcers can include foot braces, casts, wearing diabetic shoes, using shoe inserts, or surgery. Foot baths, disinfectants, and wound dressing may be recommended to prevent an open wound from becoming infected.
If the foot is infected your doctor will want to treat the infection. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.
Work with a Podiatrist to Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers
A podiatrist isn’t just someone you can turn to for help treating ulcers. They can also help you prevent ulcers from forming. If you are worried about developing diabetic foot ulcers schedule an appointment with the podiatrists at Alamitos-Seal Beach Podiatry Group.
Our podiatrists will be able to help you with anything from diabetic neuropathy to ulcers. We will come up with a personalized treatment plan that treats the immediate problem and prevents future problems. Call us today to schedule a diabetic foot care appointment.
Request an Appointment
Fill out the form below to reach Alamitos – Seal Beach Podiatry Group, or call Los Alamitos: (562) 203-6151 or Seal Beach: (562) 242-1559 for immediate assistance.
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