Diabetic Foot Ulcer - What Is Diabetic Foot Ulcer Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Diabetic Foot Ulcer - What Is Diabetic Foot Ulcer Symptoms, Causes & Treatments - Diabetic foot ulcer is a sore or open wound that generally occurs in the sole of the foot in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes. Six percent of diabetics who have an ulcer in foot, should be hospitalized due to an infection or other complications related to ulcer.

Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic amputations of limbs in the United States, and approximately between 14 and 24 per cent of patients with diabetes who have a ulcer on foot suffer amputation. However, research has shown that it is possible to avoid the appearance of a foot ulcer.
Who can have a diabetic foot ulcer?

Any person having diabetes can have an ulcer on foot. The native American, African-Americans, Hispanics and the elderly are more likely to have ulcers. People who use insulin, as patients suffering from diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy or diabetic heart disease, have a higher risk of having a sore foot. Overweight and the consumption of alcohol and tobacco also affect the appearance of ulcers on the foot.

How is Diabetic Foot Ulcers Formed - What Causes Diabetic Foot Ulcer ?

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Ulcers are formed due to a combination of factors, such as lack of feeling in the foot, poor circulation, deformities in the foot, irritation (caused by friction or pressure) and trauma, as well as the time that has been suffering from diabetes. Patients who for many years have diabetes may suffer neuropathy, reduction or total loss of sensation in the feet as a result of nerve damage caused by hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) over the years. Nerve damage often occurs without pain and that way the problem can go unnoticed. Podiatrist can check their feet in search of neuropathy with a simple and painless tool known as monofilament.

Vascular disease can complicate a foot ulcer, decrease the ability of healing of the body and increase the risk of infection. Hyperglycemia can decrease the body's ability to defend itself from a possible infection and even delay healing.

What is the value of treating a diabetic foot ulcer?

As soon as you notice an ulcer, look for podiatric care immediately. Ulcers in patients with diabetes feet should be treated for various reasons such as, reduce the risk of infection and amputation, improved functionality and the quality of life and reduce the cost of health care.

How should I treat a diabetic foot ulcer?

The main objective of the treatment of foot ulcers is to achieve healing as soon as possible. Faster wound healing, the lower the likelihood of infection.

There are several key factors in the appropriate treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer.

Prevent infection.
Remove pressure to the area, which is known as "discharge."
Remove skin and tissue of fingers, what is known as "debridement".
Put medicines or dressings to the ulcer.
Control blood sugar (blood glucose concentration) and other health problems.

Not all ulcers are infected; However if your Podiatrist diagnosed an infection, will need to a program of treatment with antibiotics, the care of the wound and probably the hospitalization.

Several important factors allow you to prevent an ulcer from becoming infected:

Strictly controlling blood glucose.
Keep the sore clean and bandaged.
Clean the wound daily and use a dressing or bandage the wound.
Do not walk barefoot.

For optimal healing, must be "downloaded" ulcers, especially those in the soles of the feet. You must ask patients to use special shoes, a brace, specialized plaster, or a wheelchair or crutches. These devices will reduce the pressure and irritation in the area of the ulcer, speeding up the healing process.

The science of the care of wounds has made much progress in the last 10 years. Today it is known that the ancient concept of "us air" is detrimental to healing. We know that wounds and ulcers heal faster and with less risk of infection if it keeps them covered and moist. The use of concentrated betadine (antiseptic and odoforo), hydrogen peroxide or immersion baths is not recommended since it may cause complications.

The proper treatment of wounds includes the use of dressings and topical application of medication. These medications range from saline to end products such as growth factors, dressings for ulcers and skin substitutes, which have proven to be very effective in the healing of ulcers.

For a wound to heal must be a blood circulation into the ulcerated area. The Podiatrist can determine the level of circulation with testing non-invasive.
Glycemic Control

Tight control of blood glucose is important during a diabetic foot ulcer treatment. Working together with a general medicine physician or an endocrinologist to be able to achieve this will promote healing and reduce the risk of complications arising.
Surgical alternatives

The majority of non-infected foot ulcers are not treated surgically; However, when treatments fail, surgery may be appropriate. Examples of surgical care to remove pressure on the affected area include scraping or removal of bone (s) and correction of various deformations, such as hammertoes, bunions, or "bumps" oseas.plicaciones.
Healing factors

Healing time depends on a number of factors such as the size and location of the wound, the pressure exerted on this walk or be foot, inflammation, circulation, blood glucose, wound care and what is being applied. Healing can produce within weeks or require several meses.netes, or "bumps" oseas.plicaciones.

How can the emergence of a foot ulcer be prevented?

First, the best way to treat a diabetic foot ulcer is to prevent it. One of the recommendations is to consult a Podiatrist regularly. The Podiatrist can determine if you have a high risk of an ulcer in the foot and consider preventive strategies.

You have a risk high if:

suffers from neuropathy,
has poor circulation,
It has a deformation in the foot (i.e. a Bunion or hammertoes),
used inadequate shoes,
you don't have your controlled blood sugar.

Reduce risk factors such as smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, have hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol levels) and hyperglycemia are important to prevent and treat diabetic foot ulcer measures. Wear socks and shoes will work much to reduce risks. Your Podiatrist can aim it in the choice of footwear.

It is essential to learn to control his feet so that you notice the problem as soon as possible. Examine your feet all the days — especially the plant and between your toes - searching for cuts, bruises, cracks, blisters, redness, ulcers, and signs out of the ordinary. Whenever you visit your doctor, take off shoes and stockings so you can examine your feet. You must inform the Podiatrist of any problem to discover as soon as possible, no matter how "insignificant" which seemeth him.

The key to a good wound healing is periodic podiatric care to ensure "excellence in quality" of care:

reduction of blood glucose
appropriate debridement of wounds
treatment of any infection
reduction of friction and pressure
restoration of proper blood flow

The old adage, "better safe than sorry" applies more than ever when it comes to preventing a diabetic foot ulcer.

This booklet belongs to a series conceived by the APMA analyzing various conditions and other matters of interest related to the health of the foot, including bunions, arthritis, ringworm of the foot (athlete's foot), warts, orthopedic foot, aging, the feet of children, surgery of the anterior or posterior part of the foot, the female foot problems the walk, the heel pain, nails, shoes, and other problems. They do not intend to replace professional advice of your Podiatrist. Brochures can be obtained from partners to the APMA.