Diabetes Wound Care: Dos and Don’ts

While bumps, bruises, and blisters are a fact of life, for diabetics, even the smallest scratch can escalate into a serious condition. Not treating a scratch or cut correctly and quickly can lead to infection and even amputation in some cases. Today Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC are sharing some of the dos and don’ts of diabetic wound care. 

Dos:

• Take the pressure off. If you have a wound on your foot, you may need to stay off your feet. Your podiatrist may recommend a total contact cast, a boot, a healing sandal, or a removable cast-walker.

• Examine your feet daily. Keep a lookout for blisters, red spots, swelling, or cuts, especially if you are experiencing a loss of sensation in your feet due to diabetic neuropathy. More than 80 percent of amputations begin with a foot ulcer.

• Ask your podiatrist about treatment options for stubborn wounds. If traditional treatment options aren’t working, it may be time to consider alternatives. Talk with your podiatrist regarding other treatment options he or she offers.

Don’ts

•  Try a DIY treatment. Don’t try to remove dead tissue on your own! You can easily damage a blood vessel and make the condition worse.

• Neglect to change your wound bandages or dressing. Because the right level of moisture is important for healing the wound, you need to change dressings often to maintain the proper amounts.

• Ignore other factors that can help you heal faster. Focus on getting and maintaining your blood sugar levels. Consume a healthful diet that includes sufficient amounts of protein, vitamins and minerals and calories. Don’t smoke or use tobacco products, as it can prevent oxygen from getting to the wound to heal it and weaken your immune system. 

If you are diabetic and some time has passed since your last checkup, take the time to schedule an appointment. Contact the offices of Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC today.

We serve both New Haven County and Fairfield County areas. You can schedule an appointment by calling our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown location at (203) 270-6724. You can also request an appointment online.