Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that develop on the feet of individuals with diabetes, often caused by poor circulation, nerve damage, or pressure points. Risk factors include uncontrolled blood sugar levels, peripheral neuropathy, foot deformities, and a history of previous ulcers or infections. Proper care is essential to prevent complications and promote healing. This includes keeping the wound clean, offloading pressure, monitoring for signs of infection, and maintaining good blood sugar control. A chiropodist can provide expert assessment, professional wound care, guidance on protective footwear, and strategies to prevent recurrence. If you have diabetes and notice a foot sore or slow healing wound, it is suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist for help in treating diabetic foot wounds and in managing this serious condition.

Wound care is the process of treating and preventing wounds on the feet. This is especially important if you have diabetes, as diabetic foot wounds are common and can lead to serious complications when left untreated. To learn more about proper wound care, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Why Is Wound Care Important for Diabetics?

While wound care is important for maintaining the health of your feet, it is especially important for people with diabetes. This is because diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation, causing foot wounds to heal very slowly or not to heal at all. Diabetics also frequently suffer from neuropathy or nerve loss. This means no matter how big or little the wound, they might not feel it on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. This is why it is imperative that diabetics complete daily foot checks.

Wound Care Basics

The best way to care for wounds is to prevent them in the first place. It is recommended that people with diabetes perform a daily examination of their feet to locate cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds. Early detection allows for ample time to treat the wounds and prevent further complications. If you notice a wound at home, you can clean it using water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover the wound with a clean bandage. Seeing a chiropodist, who can examine your feet thoroughly and treat any existing wounds, can also help you maintain proper foot health. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Scarborough, ON .