If you’re living with diabetes, you may be going through the daily struggle of trying to control it. Managing diabetes requires discipline, lifestyle changes, and the frequent consultation of a doctor. One of the most frequent complications of uncontrolled diabetes is diabetic wounds.

A diabetic wound is a skin ulcer that is not healing. It can start as a small blister or cut on the skin and gradually grow in size. Diabetic wounds are most common on the legs and feet.

Why Do Diabetic Wounds Develop?

Diabetes or high blood sugar can cause damage to your peripheral nerves and blood vessels over time. A decrease in blood supply to the peripheral areas (your limbs) makes any wound that affects these areas harder to heal. Damaged nerves cause you not to feel sensations, which can make it very easy to ignore wounds, allowing them to get bigger. Untreated wounds that don’t heal are dangerous because they can attract serious infections, leaving doctors no option other than to amputate the affected body part.

Caring for a Diabetic Wound

If at any point you notice a blister-like wound on your skin, it’s best to inform your doctor immediately. They will most likely perform a debridement procedure on the affected area to remove any dead tissues, stop the ulcer from growing, and allow a better chance of healing.

They will recommend some steps to stop the ulcer from getting infected, such as:

• Cleaning the would every day
• Dressing the wound properly to facilitate healing and eliminate chances of exposure to bacteria and germs
• Applying topical medications like antibiotic ointments and creams
• Controlling your blood sugar to help the wound heal faster
• They will also recommend ways to prevent new wounds from developing, such as:
• Controlling your diabetes and doing follow-ups with your doctor regularly to check for signs of neuropathy
• Inspecting your skin every day for signs of ulcers and wounds
• Stopping smoking, which can damage blood vessels, decrease blood supply, and delay healing
• Wearing protective shoes and never walking barefoot

Expert Diabetic Foot Care in Cincinnati

At Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care, you will find the help and support you need to treat and prevent diabetic foot and wounds. Our skilled and professional podiatrists can provide you with the diabetic foot care you need to get back to your life as soon as possible.

Contact one of our 18 locations today for a consultation. You can also use our online appointment request form to make a same-day or next-day appointment. We look forward to serving you!