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How To Avoid Diabetic Foot Ulcers

November 28, 2017

When you have diabetes, taking care of your feet is critical. People living with diabetes are at an increased risk for a common wound known as a diabetic foot ulcer.

Here are five tips to keep your feet healthy and prevent diabetic foot ulcers:

• Get a regular foot examination by a health care provider
• Inspect your feet daily, or ask for help from a family member
• Clean your toes well and gently dry between the toes.
• Do not apply powders or creams to your toes or feet without doctor instruction
• Wear supportive, proper shoes and socks
• Eat healthy and engage in exercise to improve circulation

If you notice a wound on your foot, don’t ignore it. It’s hard to know when a wound should be seen by a doctor. When in doubt, always contact your physician as soon as you or someone else checking your feet think there’s a problem.

“Even non-painful foot wounds can quickly become very serious in the diabetic population, so it’s important to seek professional care. Physicians and podiatrists who specialize in wound care provide a range of treatment options for diabetic foot ulcers, including foot surgery, wound debridement, compression therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy,” said Dr. Sara Case, medical director for Hartford Hospital’s Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine Center.

To learn more about wound care services at Hartford Hospital, click here.