Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers

At NY Foot Health, we know that for patients with diabetes, a foot ulcer is a serious concern. Due to the decreased blood flow to the feet, a wound can take a long time to heal and is at risk of becoming infected, which brings more complications. There are preventive measures you can take, however.

Assess Your Risk

If you have diabetes, regular visits with your podiatrist should be part of your care plan. If you don’t currently have a podiatrist, you can find one using our online directory. The foot doctor can determine if you are at high-risk of developing a foot ulcer and then help you develop strategies for prevention. Factors that increase your risk for an ulcer include:

• Neuropathy

• Foot or toe deformities such as bunion or hammertoe

• Uncontrolled blood sugar

• History of one or more previous ulcerations

• Poor circulation

• Wearing poorly fitting or inappropriate footwear

Check Your Feet

Inspecting your feet daily is critical in detecting a potential problem in its earliest possible stage. Check your entire foot paying particular attention to the soles and spaces between your toes. You are looking for any cuts, cracks, blisters, bruises, flaky skin, redness, or other unusual symptoms that weren’t present when you inspected the day before. Report anything concerning to your podiatrist immediately.

Steps to Protect Your Feet

Your podiatrist is your partner in helping to prevent diabetic ulcers.

What you can do:

• Don’t smoke

• Limit alcohol intake

• Eat a diet that will help you maintain appropriate cholesterol and glucose levels and allow you to maintain an appropriate weight.

• Follow your physician’s directions to keep your diabetes under control.

• Where well-made shoes that fit properly

What your podiatrist can do:

• Advise you on how to reduce friction, improve circulation, and the best types of shoes for your unique feet

• Debride any wounds that develop

• Treat any infections

To learn more ways to be proactive in preventing serious podiatric issues, if you have diabetes or another medical condition, contact us and consider subscribing to our free e-newsletter.