Prevention is the best way to avoid dealing with diabetic foot ulcers. Proper foot care and attention to cuts, abrasions and blisters as they arise can prevent serious wounds from forming. If you suffer from peripheral neuropathy, it is particularly important to take care of your feet.Untreated, a diabetic foot ulcer can lead to very serious complications, including gangrene, amputation, or compicated illness. Therefore, you must treat foot ulcers promptly.
Proper management of diabetes mellitus helps a patient reduce their chances of developing diabetes-related complications, including foot ulcers. Practice good glucose control, and see your doctor frequently.
Treating a diabetic foot ulcer involves debridement of the unhealthy tissue in the wound bed and removal of the callous around the edges of the ulcer. Your doctor may debride the wound several times to keep it clean and allow new cells to fill in the ulcer. If your doctor suspects an infection, he may order bllod tests and X-rays, and may recommend antibiotics.
Your doctor will choose dressings prevent the wound bed from drying out or that absorb drainage from the ulcer, depending on the patient's individual needs. Dressing a wound helps protect it and acts as a barrier to prevent contamination. Advances in tissue engineering, growth factorsand antimicrobials have paved the way for more advanced treatments. Your doctor may consider using advanced products when foot ulcers have a difficult time healing.
