Diabetic Ulcers

Diabetic ulcers are a common side-effect of diabetes, but without treatment, they can become infected or gangrenous. At A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, in Hackettstown, New Jersey, board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons An Nguyen, DPM, and Anna Wojcik-Stepien DPM, offer various wound care services for diabetic ulcers, including debridement, antibiotics, and wound dressings. As limb salvage advocates, they can develop a patient-oriented care plan that keeps your feet and toes healthy. Call the office today to receive treatment for diabetic ulcers, or make your appointment online. 

What are diabetic ulcers?

Diabetic ulcers are open wounds that form on the lower legs, ankles, feet, or toes. They occur because of untreated diabetes –– a group of diseases that affect your pancreas’ ability to regulate blood sugar.

Without management, high blood sugar causes nerve damage. When the nerves in your lower extremities don’t function, you can cut yourself or develop a blister and not realize it. As a result, these wounds are more susceptible to infection and other more serious problems.

What are the symptoms of diabetic ulcers?

Diabetic ulcer symptoms include the following:

• Skin discoloration
• Pain
• Redness
• Foul smell

If the ulcer is infected, you might notice skin discoloration, hair loss, or the wound oozing blood or pus.

How are diabetic foot ulcers diagnosed?

Your A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, provider reviews your medical records and asks about your diabetes, including when you were first diagnosed, what type you have, and how well you manage it.

They examine the ulcer for signs of infection, like redness, skin discoloration, or discharge. Your podiatrist orders a series of in-house digital X-rays to see if the infection extends beneath your skin and collects a biopsy to guide treatment.

How are diabetic foot ulcers treated?

The wound care specialists and limb salvage advocates at A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, take a conservative and patient-oriented approach to treating diabetic foot ulcers. They may recommend:

• Oral or intravenous antibiotics to eliminate infection
• A wheelchair or crutches to take pressure off the wound
• Removing dead or diseased tissue (debridement)
• Draining fluid and pus from the ulcer
• Cleaning the wound

If you have a large ulcer or multiple ulcers, you may need to visit the practice every few weeks for regular wound care. Your podiatrist can even coordinate diabetes care with your primary care physician to help keep your blood sugar in check.

Can diabetic ulcers be prevented?

You can reduce your risk of diabetic ulcers by monitoring your blood sugar and living healthily. A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, recommends:

• Checking your feet daily for changes and injuries
• Visiting the podiatrist once a year
• Wearing shoes or socks at all times to protect your feet
• Trimming your nails
• Keeping corns and calluses smoothed out

Call A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, today to explore the treatments for diabetic ulcers, or make your appointment online.