Wound Management for Diabetic Patients: Best Practices and Treatment Options

Diabetes can cause problems all over your body, especially your feet. One of the most common foot issues caused by diabetes is a foot wound. Dr. Ann Wolford and Dr. Michael Willis at Frontier Foot & Ankle Specialists in Kingsport, TN, provide a full range of podiatry services, including care and management of diabetic foot wounds.

What You Need To Know About Diabetic Wound Management

Diabetes compromises your major body systems, one of which is your immune system. An impaired immune system means you may experience delayed healing and infection. That means when you have a small cut, blister, or other injury, it can lead to the development of an infection, and a large painful wound.

If you notice a small cut, blister, or other injury, you need to watch it carefully for infection. You may have an infection if the area is becoming more painful, appears red or swollen, or if you notice pus coming from the area.To help prevent infections and wounds, you need to:

• Wash your feet using warm water and mild soap every day
• Apply moisturizing cream every day to keep your skin from cracking
• Check your feet with a hand mirror every day, looking for small cuts or blisters
• Apply antibiotic cream to the area and cover it with a bandage
• Avoid going barefoot to protect your feet and toes.

If you notice a wound that isn’t healing or is getting worse, you need to seek out the expertise of your podiatrist, who may recommend:

• Oral or topical antibiotics to eliminate infection
• Topical medications to reduce wound pain
• Bandaging your wound to help it heal
• Assistive devices like crutches to help you walk
• Surgical therapy for severe wounds

Want To Know More About Diabetic Wound Management?

To learn more about diabetic wound care and management, talk with the experts. Call Dr. Ann Wolford and Dr. Michael Willis at Frontier Foot & Ankle Specialists in Kingsport, TN. You can reach them in the office by calling (423) 722-5200, so call today.