Diabetes ulcers are one of the main conditions which lead to lower extremity amputations. Most of the time these diabetes ulcers form on feet or toes, however, they can occur elsewhere. One of the major problems with diabetes and ulcers is that ulcers provide an opening for an infection that not only can affect your tissues but the bone as well.

 

Diabetes Foot Ulcers

 

The most common occurrence concerning ulcers and diabetes, are ulcer which form on the feet. Diabetics should inspect their feet daily or have someone else do it for them. They should also take every opportunity to learn about diabetic foot care. Keeping feet washed and dry, wearing properly fitting shoes, wearing seamless sock, not walking around barefoot, and visiting a podiatrist regularly are all things that will help keep you from getting diabetes ulcers.

Foot ulcers diabetes medical treatment includes addressing three basic issues:

Debridement – Debridement is the removal of any necrotic tissue, calluses, and foreign bodies from tissue. After debridement the wound is well cleaned and dressed. In cases of abscess, incision and proper drainage is vital to these foot treatments.

Offloading – Offloading means that diabetic patients are not allowed to bear any weight on the affected foot to allow the diabetes ulcers, or ulcer, to heal. Patients are usually given a wheelchair or crutches for this. Some clinicians prefer removable casts, because removability allows for inspection, dressing changes, detecting infections. The only problem with this is that the patients tend to take them off.

Infection Control – Controlling infections in cases of diabetes ulcers is probably the most important aspect of managing any diabetic foot conditions. Assessing the depth of the infection is the most critical aspect of that.

Maggots are sometimes used because, though it may be uncomfortable for the patient, they are very effective in getting out infections and dead tissue. In one study, featured on diabetesjournals.org, the results found that “maggot therapy was more effective and efficient in debriding non-healing foot and leg ulcers in male diabetic veterans than was continued conventional care.

 

Leg Ulcers & Diabetes

 

Diabetes leg ulcers are also fairly common. Approximately 15% of people who have diabetes develop lower leg skin ulcers and of those people 20% will eventually need an amputation (Sunnen, M.D., Gerard V., 2007). Diabetes ulcers are usually caused, or accelerated by poor circulation and neuropathy.

Treating tissue infection, wound dressing, surgical management, accelerated healing techniques, and compression therapy are all strategies that are used in leg ulcer treatment. It is also important that diabetic treatment continue as well and that if the patient smokes that they stop immediately. Of course, prevention is the best treatment. Keep the following in mind if you have diabetes:

  • Be carful not to injure your legs.
  • Walk and exercise one hour a day.
  • Lose weight.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Check your feet regularly.
  • Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
  • If you must stand for long periods, vary your stance.
  • When sitting, wiggle your toes or move your feet often.

 

Related articles: Diabetic Dry Skin | Treating Diabetic Ulcers | Diabetes Vaginal Infections | Diabetic Hypertension | Diabetic Eye Problems | Diabetic Leg Ulcers | Diabetic High Blood Pressure | Boils and Diabetes | Long Term Complications of Diabetes Mellitus | Diabetes Calluses | Diabetes and Hypertension | Diabetic Hypoglycemia | Diabetic Kidney Disease |