A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in approximately 15
percent of patients with diabetes. This is the leading cause of non traumatic
lower extremity amputations in the United States.
Anyone who has diabetes can develop a foot ulcer. People who have kidney, eye, and heart disease or are overweight and use alcohol and tobacco are at high risk of developing foot ulcers. Ulcers form due to a combination of factors, such as
The primary goal in the treatment of foot ulcers is to obtain healing as soon
as possible. The faster the healing, the less chance there is for an infection. The key factors in the treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer are prevention of infection,
taking the pressure off the area, called off-loading; removing dead skin
and tissue, called debridement; applying medication or dressings to the ulcer and managing blood glucose and other health related problems.
Most importantly, for a wound to heal there must be adequate circulation to the ulcerated area. Our podiatrists can determine circulation levels with noninvasive vascular tests.
If you suffer from diabetes, you should have regular podiatric evaluations to
prevent the formation of ulcers. If you suffer from open wounds on your feet,
call Livingston Foot Care specialists where our specially trained wound care foot
specialists are available to help you. Livingston Foot Care Specialists, 1685 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore 516-826-0103. www.livingstonfootcare.com
