Diabetic Foot Ulcer, Prevention, Diagnosis and Management
Roger Guzman, M.D.
November 24, 2008
Diabetic foot ulcer frequently occurs on the bottom of the big toe or on the ball of the foot. When this type of infection occurs on the sides of the foot it is usually because of poorly fitting shoes. This should be seen by the doctor even if it does not hurt. Neglecting to do this can make it worse and lead to amputation.
American Diabetes Association confirmed that about 21 million Americans have diabetes and that diabetic infections can develop in the bones and skin of the foot because of nerve damage due to diabetes. Around 9% of Americans will suffer from diabetic foot infections and these are 55.7 times more apt to need hospitalization and 154.5 times more likely to have amputation.
The risk factors for amputation are:
How can one prevent the formation of diabetic foot ulcer? Careful attention to the care of the feet and management of minor foot cuts are the keys to preventing this condition. Inspecting the feet every day is a must. Clean feet gently with water and soap and then apply moisturizer. This will help keep the skin healthy which can then resist injury and breakdown.
On every visit to the doctor, the feet should be examined along with the shoes to see if they provide proper fit and support. Many can use the shoes that are commercially available but those who need support may need custom shoes. The cost for these is now covered by Medicare Part B if the doctor certifies the need for them.
Home remedies can make minor infections worse. So avoid heating pads, hot soaks and such agents as hydrogen peroxide, iodine and astringents. Application of an antibiotic after gentle cleansing the minor wounds will help prevent the formation of a diabetic foot ulcer. The doctor should inspect wounds that do not heal and give the patient preventive measures.
When the condition gets more serious, you may have to go to the hospital where they will probably take x-rays to see if the bone is also infected. They will also clean the infected areas. They may have to culture the wound to determine what type of infection it is. Only then will they be able to see what type of antibiotic will work best.
It is important to keep off the feet as walking on them may make the ulcer larger and push the infection deeper into the foot. The health care provider may put a brace or a special shoe to protect the foot. If the ulcer does not heal along with poor circulation, a vascular surgeon may have to be consulted.
After the much awaiting healing comes, treat the foot with tender loving care. The scar left by the wound that just healed can easily break down. You may have to wear a special type of shoe in order to protect the area that just healed thus preventing the condition from coming back.
Now that you know what to watch for, make sure you follow them carefully. Knowing also the ramification if you do not follow the recommendation carefully will motivate you to do your best in order to prevent the diabetic foot ulcer.
Please visit these sites for more diabetes help:
Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Diabetes Leg Pain
Brief Biography: Dr. Guzman worked for the Atlantic Health Corporation and was consultant to St. Joseph's Hospital, Sussex Mental Health Clinic, and St. Stephen Mental Health Clinic for many years. He was Director of Forensic Psychiatry at Centracare for ten years and published numerous articles in the Journal of the American College of Forensic Psychiatry and other medical magazines.
Copyright © November 24, 2008 Roger Guzman, M.D. (Diabetic Foot Ulcer, Prevention, Diagnosis and Management) All Rights Reserved. You may copy and publish this article as long as the text, the author's name, the active links and this notice remain the same.
American Diabetes Association confirmed that about 21 million Americans have diabetes and that diabetic infections can develop in the bones and skin of the foot because of nerve damage due to diabetes. Around 9% of Americans will suffer from diabetic foot infections and these are 55.7 times more apt to need hospitalization and 154.5 times more likely to have amputation.
The risk factors for amputation are:
- Limited movement in the joint
- Deformity of the foot and formation of callus
- Obesity and impaired vision
- Lack of sensation because of peripheral neuropathy
- Blood glucose level is not under control which can damage healing
- Poorly fitting footwear
- History of diabetic foot ulcer
How can one prevent the formation of diabetic foot ulcer? Careful attention to the care of the feet and management of minor foot cuts are the keys to preventing this condition. Inspecting the feet every day is a must. Clean feet gently with water and soap and then apply moisturizer. This will help keep the skin healthy which can then resist injury and breakdown.
On every visit to the doctor, the feet should be examined along with the shoes to see if they provide proper fit and support. Many can use the shoes that are commercially available but those who need support may need custom shoes. The cost for these is now covered by Medicare Part B if the doctor certifies the need for them.
Home remedies can make minor infections worse. So avoid heating pads, hot soaks and such agents as hydrogen peroxide, iodine and astringents. Application of an antibiotic after gentle cleansing the minor wounds will help prevent the formation of a diabetic foot ulcer. The doctor should inspect wounds that do not heal and give the patient preventive measures.
When the condition gets more serious, you may have to go to the hospital where they will probably take x-rays to see if the bone is also infected. They will also clean the infected areas. They may have to culture the wound to determine what type of infection it is. Only then will they be able to see what type of antibiotic will work best.
It is important to keep off the feet as walking on them may make the ulcer larger and push the infection deeper into the foot. The health care provider may put a brace or a special shoe to protect the foot. If the ulcer does not heal along with poor circulation, a vascular surgeon may have to be consulted.
After the much awaiting healing comes, treat the foot with tender loving care. The scar left by the wound that just healed can easily break down. You may have to wear a special type of shoe in order to protect the area that just healed thus preventing the condition from coming back.
Now that you know what to watch for, make sure you follow them carefully. Knowing also the ramification if you do not follow the recommendation carefully will motivate you to do your best in order to prevent the diabetic foot ulcer.
Please visit these sites for more diabetes help:
Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Diabetes Leg Pain
Brief Biography: Dr. Guzman worked for the Atlantic Health Corporation and was consultant to St. Joseph's Hospital, Sussex Mental Health Clinic, and St. Stephen Mental Health Clinic for many years. He was Director of Forensic Psychiatry at Centracare for ten years and published numerous articles in the Journal of the American College of Forensic Psychiatry and other medical magazines.
Copyright © November 24, 2008 Roger Guzman, M.D. (Diabetic Foot Ulcer, Prevention, Diagnosis and Management) All Rights Reserved. You may copy and publish this article as long as the text, the author's name, the active links and this notice remain the same.