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Foot Ulcers are not to be taken lightly due to the serious complications they can cause. This condition is, unfortunately, a common problem with diabetic patients, especially if they do not seek proper treatment. Foot ulcers result from a break in the skin, which lets the layers underneath become exposed and open to an infection that can in some instances reach down to the bone.
Identifying Symptoms of Foot Ulcers
- Liquid leaking from a break in the skin
- Inflammation
- Pain and firmness when touching the wound
- Foul scent emanating
- Thickened skin around the site of the wound
- Black tissue appearing around the area due to lack of circulation
- Fever and chills if in advanced stage
Ulcers in diabetics are very common since they are known to have poor circulation, elevated blood sugar levels, nerve irritation and feet that can be more prone to injury. The nerve complications with this condition causes a lack of feeling that may allow for a diabetic to be oblivious to a wound on their foot.
Treatments
- Use of protective and supportive devices to help shield the feet from traumas that may make them prone to skin breaks such as casts, braces or wraps to compress the feet.
- Exercise good hygiene and wash feet daily to sanitize the area of skin on the foot around the ulcer.
- If bandaged, dressings on the ulcer should be changed frequently to prevent further infections.
- In certain situations, surgery may be required to reduce pressure around the foot ulcer and to correct any resulting deformities.
- Podiatrist visits to monitor the ulcer.
Foot ulcers can be a damaging condition that can affect anyone and are very common with diabetics. If left unattended serious issues can arise including amputation. At Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, located in Waterbury 203-755-0489 & Newtown 203-270-6724, Connecticut, our podiatrist, Dr. Joel S. Segalman, DPM, will help provide the very best treatment to counter your foot ulcers and get your feet into a healthy state. Please call our office at any of the two numbers listed above to schedule an appointment with us today!