Dallas Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Foot ulcers in diabetic patients occur most often on the ball of the foot or bottom of the big toe and should be seen by a health care provider right away. North Texas Foot & Ankle’s Dallas podiatrists specialize in treatment of diabetic foot conditions such as ulcers or sores.

Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations in the United States, and approximately 14-24% of patients with diabetic foot ulcers will require an amputation. People who use insulin are at higher risk of developing a foot ulcer, as are patients with diabetes-related kidney, eye, and heart disease. Weight, alcohol and tobacco use also play a role in the development of foot ulcers.

Foot ulcers in patients with diabetes should be treated immediately to reduce the risk of infection and amputation. The primary goal in treatment of foot ulcers is to obtain healing as soon as possible to lessen the chance for infection. To keep a diabetic foot ulcer from becoming infected, it is important to:

• Keep blood glucose levels under tight control
• Keep the ulcer clean and bandaged
• Cleanse the wound daily
• Avoid walking barefoot

For a wound to heal, there must be adequate circulation to the ulcerated area. Most non-infected foot ulcers are treated without surgery, however if treatment methods fail, surgical management may be necessary.

If you have diabetes, checking your feet is crucial so that you can find a potential problem as early as possible. Inspect your feet every day—especially the sole and between the toes—for cuts, bruises, cracks, blisters, redness, ulcers, and any sign of abnormality. Any problems that are discovered should be reported to your podiatrist as soon as possible; no matter how simple they may seem to you.

If you are noticing signs of a diabetic ulcer on your feet, call North Texas Foot & Ankle near Dallas at 214-574-9255 as soon as possible, to schedule an appointment.