What are Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
Diabetic foot ulcers are uncomfortable irritants that can become so severe that mild walking becomes unbearable. These open sores, or wounds, appear in nearly 15% of diabetic patients, most commonly occur on feet and lower legs. The Beaver Valley Foot clinic is here to help with gentle, fast relief of all kinds of foot pain! Don’t wait any longer to relieve discomforts and heal the source of ulcers.
What Exactly Are Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
Diabetic ulcers are sores and wounds that develop on lower portions of legs, in diabetic patients. The leading cause of lower extremity amputations in the United States is diabetes. Yet, painful foot wounds are completely preventable and treatable. Do not hesitate to treat open sores or wounds; contact the Beaver Valley Foot Clinic as soon as possible.
What Are Symptoms Of Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
Diabetic ulcers are so easy to recognise since are a type of injury that takes time to heal, if you have diabetic ulcers then you may notice these symptoms:
- Drainage
This could be the first symptom of developing a foot ulcer. If it was another disease then the first symptom would be pain in the injury but since diabetes takes away your ability to feel, you won’t experience any pain.
You can notice stains of pus on your socks or on the floor, This is serious in most cases but if not treated then it can get worse if you don’t care about your wound.
- Unusual Redness Or Swelling
If you notice redness or swelling on your foot even if you don’t have an injury then this could mean your foot is injured from inside.
Even if you can see the wound you will still have swelling and redness
- Discoloration Of The Skin
Discoloration of your skin around the wound means it really needs the treatment as soon as possible.
Your skin will start turning black, this black skin are dead skin cells that can’t heal themselves anymore.
If they keep dying them you might need amputation, however if the wound is small then your doctor will remove the dead tissues only and make sure new ones grow instead of them.
Can diabetic foot ulcers lead to sepsis?
Yes, diabetic foot ulcers can lead to sepsis if left untreated or if the infection spreads to the bloodstream. Sepsis is a serious condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection causes inflammation throughout the body. In severe cases, sepsis can lead to septic shock, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Can diabetic foot ulcers recur after successful treatment?
Yes, diabetic foot ulcers can recur even after successful treatment. Several factors can contribute to ulcer recurrence, including:
- Poor Foot Care: Failure to follow proper foot care practices, such as inspecting the feet daily and wearing appropriate footwear, can increase the risk of recurrence.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage can lead to a loss of sensation in the feet, making it difficult to detect injuries or ulcers.
- Vascular Disease: Poor blood flow to the feet can impair healing and increase the risk of recurrent ulcers.
- Foot Deformities: Structural abnormalities, such as hammertoes or bunions, can increase pressure on certain areas of the foot, leading to ulcer formation.
- Poor Glycemic Control: High blood sugar levels can impair the immune system and slow the healing process, increasing the risk of recurrence.
Can stress and mental health impact the healing of diabetic foot ulcers?
Yes, stress and mental health can impact the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. Stress and mental health issues can affect the body in various ways, including:
- Immune Function: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections, including those in diabetic foot ulcers.
- Blood Sugar Levels: Stress can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infection.
- Blood Flow: Stress can affect blood flow to the extremities, including the feet, which is important for wound healing.
Can Anyone Get Diabetic Foot Ulcers, and How?
Anyone with diabetes can develop diabetic ulcers. Tobacco smokers, people with excess weight, or an excessive alcohol intake are all also at a higher risk of developing foot ulcers. Root causes of diabetic ulcers need to be treated in order to fully heal from the irritants. Whether your foot sore formed from a lack of feeling, poor circulation, friction or pressure irritations, the Beaver Valley Foot Clinic is here to help you start your path toward healing.
Necessary Treatments & Prevention Tips
Treating diabetic foot wounds reduces the risk of infection and amputation—in turn reducing health care costs. Off-loading, debridement, medication application and dressings, along with blood glucose and general health wellness must be maintained. Treatments also improve comfort, functionality and your overall quality of well being.
Once you know the causes of diabetic foot ulcers, as well as treatment methods and preventative measures, you can start your path to pain free walking. Contact us at the Beaver Valley Foot Clinic for additional information on diabetic foot ulcers, treatments and other foot care. Call (724) 375-1577 now for the gentle, fast relief of all kinds of foot pain.