Wounds
Foot wounds, or sores, are common in people who have diabetes. If not closely monitored, wounds can lead to ulceration, infection, and other serious problems.
Because of this, the need for proper wound care is important. Most of the amputations related to wounds or sores, could have been prevented with proper care. While you can’t always prevent wounds from occurring, you can prevent infected wounds from reaching the point where amputation becomes necessary.
Prevent Sores
While it’s not always possible to prevent sores, you can take precautions to keep your feet in the healthiest conditions possible.
Here are a few things that can help to prevent foot sores.
- Check your feet daily. The sooner you catch a sore beginning the form, the quicker you can treat it. With people who have diabetes, this is especially important. Checking your feet should be a part of your daily routine. It should become a habit.
- Keep your feet dry. Moisture between your toes, can lead to problems and skin breakdown which can lead to fungal infections and sores. Dry your feet, change your socks when they become wet, make sure they are always kept warm and dry.
- Keep your feet moisturized. Keeping your feet from drying up and cracking can also help prevent sores.
Care for Sores
Doing your best to prevent sores is the best line of defense, but sometimes — sores occur. Should this happen, be sure to treat it immediately. Put antibiotic cream on the sore, and cover it with gauze to keep moisture out of the wound.
If the wound doesn’t heal in seven days, be sure to see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Be sure to follow the podiatrist’s recommendations, and do exactly as they say to help your wound recover as quickly as possible.