When Foot Ulcer Strikes the Diabetics

Foot ulcer is one of the most common illnesses found in diabetics. It is crucial since it brings the diabetes to a higher level. It is one of the painful realizations that diabetes really exists in one’s body.

Foot ulcers are the most common of all chronic wounds for diabetics. They are open wounds found on the top, soles or sides of the feet. Foot ulcers are present in almost all diabetics. They are difficult to treat and their treatment is notoriously frustrating and lengthy.

Foot ulcers account for one quarter in the US and Great Britain’s diabetic hospital admissions. Most Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics and older men are most likely to develop foot ulcers. People who have diabetes-related ailments like kidney disease and eye problems and those who use insulin are at a higher risk. It can also strike those who are overweight, use alcohol and smoke.

Causes of foot ulcers

The four major causes of foot ulcers are:

Neuropathy. Neuropathy means numbness. It is when you lose sensation in the lower extremities and limbs. This happens because of prolonged high glucose levels. This creeps on the body of the diabetic person without him knowing it for so long.

This is the main culprit why diabetics cannot feel the small cuts on their feet, leaving their wounds untreated for long. Neuropathy makes the patient unable to shift or move his feet when pressure points develop, which can lead to development of wounds. The doctor can check your feet using monofilament, a simple painless test.

Vascular disease. This causes narrowing of blood vessels that can lead to wound development. Due to restricted circulation and blood flow, it makes treatment of foot ulcers lengthy and frustrating especially with diabetics. Vascular disease reduces the body’s ability of healing itself – increasing the risk of infection.

Skin irritation and friction. People who have neuropathy cannot feel any skin problems, irritation, friction or pressure points. To make sure, check your feet for peeling skin, redness or blisters.

Foot deformities. With neuropathy, patients break bones in their feet without feeling it – leading to a foot deformity. Foot deformities cause unnatural pressure on some areas of the foot and can cause wounds to develop.

Avoiding and preventing foot ulcers

Prevention is always better than cure. The best way to treat foot ulcers is never get a foot ulcer! However, if the wounds are already present, treat them quickly. The faster you treat them, the lesser problem you will have.

Doctors usually treat foot ulcers with offloading, debridement and applying medications and dressings. Extra care should be given to diabetics with foot ulcers. Offloading is foot rest which means reducing pressure on the wound by avoiding too much walking. Using crutches or wheelchair is highly recommended. However, this is commonly neglected by patients. They don’t follow their doctor’s advice…and suffer the consequences.

If a wound is already present

If you already have a foot ulcer, do something to avoid infection. Control your blood sugar levels and keep the wound clean and bandaged. The old way of thinking with wounds to “let it breathe” can actually hinder the healing process. Keeping it covered, clean and moist is the best thing to do.

To avoid foot ulcer for diabetics, never walk barefoot…nor reuse a syringe. Inspect your feet regularly to correct foot deformities such as corns, bunions or hammertoes. Part of feet care is to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

If you are diabetic, avoid cutting your nails close to the cuticle. It is recommended that you cut your nails straight across. Diabetics should also refrain from pedicure as these abrade the skin, which might cause wound and infection.