5 Ways to Prevent Diabetic Foot Wound Complications

Hard-to-heal wounds are a relatively common problem for many people with uncontrolled diabetes. Here are five ways to avoid wounds, improve healing, and prevent complications, including infections like foot ulcers.

Roughly 39 million Americans have diabetes, and that means every one of them is also at risk of developing problems with their feet. Without proper care, those problems can quickly turn serious, leading to complications like deep sores or ulcers, widespread, dangerous infections, and even limb amputation.

At Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, Stephen Lazaroff, DPM, FACFAS, and Joel S Segalman, FACFAS, FACFAO, help women and men manage diabetes-related foot issues and prevent complications with advanced wound care and other services focused on keeping you and your feet healthy. Here, learn five simple things you can do to protect your feet.

1. Manage your blood sugar

Over time, elevated blood sugar levels damage blood vessels and interfere with typical circulation. In turn, that makes it harder for foot wounds to heal. At the same time, higher levels of blood sugar damage nerves in your feet, decreasing sensations, so it’s difficult to tell when you have a cut or sore — or when a tiny injury needs treatment.

Combined, poor circulation and peripheral nerve damage impede wound healing and increase the likelihood that care gets delayed, two factors that dramatically increase the risk of deep sores or ulcers that can lead to amputation.

If diabetic, you should have a blood sugar management plan, including following a healthy diet, being physically active, and using insulin when needed. Regular doctor visits ensure your management plan stays on track so you can decrease the risk of foot ulcers and their complications.

2. Practice daily foot care

Daily care of your feet is another must if you have diabetes, especially if you have difficulty maintaining your blood sugar level or had problems healing in the past. Begin by inspecting your feet and noting any issues, like blisters, corns, calluses, cracks, or tiny cuts or abrasions.

You should also make a point of washing your feet daily using a gentle soap and warm — not hot — water. Dry thoroughly, particularly between your toes, and slather on moisturizer. Finally, if your nails need trimming, trim them straight across and file the corners lightly to prevent ingrown toenails and potential cuts.

3. Wear the right shoes

It’s never a good idea to wear ill-fitting shoes: Shoes that are too small or too large can rub your skin, leading to blisters, corns, and calluses. They can also cause pressure points that eventually lead to skin breakdown.

Always wear socks to reduce friction, changing them when damp to prevent fungal infections. Watch your shoes for signs of wear that can increase strain and pressure on your feet, and replace shoes regularly.

Avoid going barefoot to decrease the risk of cuts, fungal infections, and stubbed toes. Avoid loose-fitting slippers and flip-flops that increase your risk of falls (particularly if you have nerve damage in your feet).

4. Quit smoking

If you smoke, kicking the habit is essential for reducing your risks of foot ulcers and future amputation. The chemicals in tobacco products damage the lining of blood vessels, making it easier for plaque deposits to build up and block circulation.

At the same time, nicotine and other chemicals constrict blood vessels, interfering with the delivery of oxygen and nutrients essential for wound healing and prevention of infection. Reduced blood flow also means nerves don’t get the nourishment they need, increasing the likelihood of nerve damage, and making it harder to feel tiny injuries.

5. See your doctor at the first sign of a problem

Finally, if you have any sign of a foot problem, you should schedule a visit with our team right away. Our doctors are skilled in diagnosing and managing foot wounds, neuropathy issues, and circulation-related problems associated with diabetes. They’re also the ones to turn to for minor problems, like corns and calluses.

Even if you don't currently have foot concerns, like ingrown nails or sores, it’s still important to have regular visits so our doctors can monitor your feet and help you avoid problems in the future. During your visit, we help you adjust your foot-care routine to your lifestyle so your feet stay healthy and wound-free.

If you have diabetes, prioritizing foot care is critical for preventing problems and maintaining mobility. To learn how we can help, request an appointment online or over the phone with the Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists team in Waterbury and Newtown, Connecticut, today.