Diabetic Foot Ulcers Specialist

What is a diabetic foot ulcer?

An ulcer is a wound or open sore that takes some time to heal, doesn’t heal properly, or keeps returning. An open wound increases the chance of infection. One type of ulcer, known as a neurotrophic ulcer, involves diabetes.  Diabetic foot ulcerations account for approximately two-thirds of all non-traumatic amputations.

Diabetes is a disease that impairs your body’s ability to produce or respond to the insulin hormone. Insulin assists your body in the storage and utilization of the sugars you consume in your food and drinks. Diabetes results in an abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and excess levels of glucose (sugar) in your urine and blood.

Poor blood circulation from diabetes and certain other conditions increase your chances of developing ulcers and sores. Diabetes heightens the risk of infection and can lead to more serious complications, such as gangrene and even amputation. The decreased blood circulation also causes any wounds to heal at a slower pace.

Diabetic ulcers often occur alongside neuropathy or nerve damage in your feet that causes a loss of foot sensation and changes in the sweat-producing glands of your feet. If you have diabetes, it also decreases your ability to fight off infection.

How do I know if I have a diabetic foot ulcer?

Most diabetic foot ulcers appear at increased pressure points on the bottom of your feet and are pink, red, brown, or black in color. The skin surrounding the ulcer may be calloused, dry, and scaly.

If you have diabetes, it’s especially important you inspect your feet daily to check for ulcers and abnormalities and wear appropriate footwear to reduce your risk of developing ulcers.

What are the treatments for a diabetic foot ulcer?

Dr. Griffin performs comprehensive neurologic, vascular, and orthopedic exams and uses the latest cutting-edge techniques and treatment methods to treat diabetic foot ulcers.

She might suggest a number of treatment methods, such as:

• Antibiotics, if an infection is present
• Use of mechanical offloading to reduce pressure areas
• Debriding agents, synthetic skin substitutes, and medical dressings
• Topical wound care therapies
• Skin grafting
• Vascular evaluation
• Compressions, such as compression stockings and socks
• Custom orthotics, special diabetic shoes, and other assistive devices

Dr. Griffin also offers a total contact casting system that shifts your body weight off of the wound to allow for better healing. Debridement, which is the surgical removal of infected tissue, may be necessary to heal a diabetic foot ulcer in some cases.

You should avoid putting weight on the affected leg while you heal.

If you have a diabetic foot ulcer or diabetic foot-related concerns, call Bailey Griffin, DPM, or schedule an appointment online today for compassionate care.