Ulcers Are More Dangerous than You Realize

Foot ulcers can significantly disrupt the routine of people with diabetes. Do you wonder why this is? Well, it happens because people with diabetes have a difficult time feeling any injuries on their feet and ulcers are openings on the skin of the foot that reveal the tissue underneath. You can imagine that if a diabetic was not aware of a such a skin condition on their foot, the type of damage that could be done in a short amount of time due to something like a lingering infection. Moreover, amputation could be required from inaction. Many individuals can develop foot ulcers; yet, the insulin that diabetics ingest can lead to a notably higher risk of developing foot ulcers. But, it’s not just diabetics who have this elevated risk because if you are obese or smoke large amounts of tobacco, this can also lead to a high risk of foot ulcers. This happens because of circulation problems since the lack of oxygen produced by smoking can make the skin more susceptible to injuries that do not improve quickly enough. 

Treatment for this condition includes:

• Eliminating the diseased skin from the outer skin of the ulcer which will act to reduce the amount of around it.

• Use medications that disrupt any potential infections caused by the ulcer.

• Make sure you check your feet daily for any irregularities.

• Clean your feet by washing them with soap and warm water.

• Keep your feet dry to prevent the buildup of fungus.

• Use shoes that are comfortable and with large toe boxes to avoid friction that can lead to problems with the feet that can be the groundwork for ulcers.

• Surgery may be necessary to manage any deformities that could be rendering your feet prone to injuries and therefore ulcers.

Here at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, our podiatrist, Joel S. Segalman, DPM, has what you need to treat those pesky ulcers on your feet! Please contact us to make an appointment as we have two offices conveniently located in Waterbury & Newtown, CT. Get better through performance orientated treatment!