Diabetic Ulcer Prevention

Diabetics are more prone to foot ulcers or open sores than most people, due to several factors such as diabetic neuropathy, poor circulation and susceptibility to infection. When an ulcer is improperly treated or left unnoticed, it can become infected and even lead to amputation. As most diabetics tend to be slow healers, it is easier to prevent foot ulcers than try to treat them.

Inspect Your Feet Daily

• Check your feet once or twice a day. Either do it yourself with a mirror or have someone inspect them for you. Keep an eye out not just for open sores and cuts, but also other foot problems such as redness, swelling or calluses. A diabetic foot ulcer usually starts with a callus. A callus is the skin's response to excessive pressure on the foot, and an ulcer usually develops underneath it. If you find a foot ulcer, visit your doctor as soon as you can to have him clean the wound and check for infection. If you have a callus, consult with your doctor or podiatrist about how you can reduce pressure on that area of your foot.

Proper Footwear

• Always wear comfortable closed shoes. If the shoes don't feel right the first time you try them on, don't buy them. Athletic shoes with good cushioning are excellent choices. Avoid slip-on shoes, and opt for shoes that tie instead, because they are more adjustable. Sometimes as the day progresses, your feet and ankles may swell a little. Adjustable shoes are thus essential to your foot health. In addition, try to wear seamless, sweat-wicking athletic socks. If your feet are too sweaty, they will blister more easily.

See a Podiatrist

• It is recommended that people with diabetes regularly see a podiatrist or foot expert who specializes in caring for diabetics' feet. A podiatrist can run several tests to inspect your feet for nerve problems and give you crucial foot-care advice. For example, he can recommend what types of shoe inserts or padding are appropriate for your feet in order to eliminate pressure on certain areas.

Preventive Surgery

• Foot deformities are one of the common causes of foot ulcers. When your bones are not where they are supposed to be, it can increase pressure on the feet. There are many types of foot deformities, though most diabetics tend to develop "hammertoe." The hammertoe refers to buckled toe knuckles, usually caused by weak muscles due to diabetic neuropathy. This kind of foot deformity increases pressure at the tips and tops of the toes, resulting in calluses and ulcers. By having foot surgery to correct this deformity, you can lower your chance of developing foot ulcers.

What Not to Do

• Do not soak your feet in hot water or have a hot bath. Also, avoid putting heating pads or electric blankets on your feet. If you find calluses or ulcers on your feet, seek professional care immediately. Don't perform "bathroom surgery" on your calluses or clean the ulcers yourself. Diabetic foot ulcers need to be treated by doctors. There are many types of treatments and wound dressings to be used at different points in the healing process, which can be determined only by professionals.