Diabetic Ulcer Treatment in Brigham City, Utah
If you have diabetes, you have an increased risk of developing foot sores, or ulcers, known as diabetic ulcers. Foot ulcers are a leading reason for hospital stays among people with diabetes, and they can take weeks or even months to heal. Because of decreased sensation in the feet, diabetic ulcers are often painless. Which is exactly why they're so dangerous.
What is a diabetic foot ulcer
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in roughly 15% of people with diabetes, most commonly on the bottom of the foot. Of those who develop an ulcer, about 6% are hospitalized due to infection or another complication. Ulcers can look like blisters, cuts, cracks, sores, redness, white spots, thick calluses, or discoloration. Don't rely on pain to alert you. Even feeling unusual warmth or coldness can signal an open wound, and it's possible to feel nothing at all. Daily foot checks are essential.
Debridement
One way to treat an ulcer is debridement, which removes dead skin and tissue. You should never attempt this yourself. A provider such as Dr. Corbridge or Dr. Funk must do it to ensure it's done correctly and doesn't worsen the wound.
During debridement:
- The skin surrounding the wound is cleaned and disinfected.
- The wound is gently probed to assess its depth and check for foreign material.
- The provider removes the dead tissue, then washes out the ulcer.
- Afterward the sore may look larger or deeper; a healthy ulcer should appear red or pink, while pale or purple/black tissue is less likely to heal.
Other methods a provider may use to remove dead or infected tissue include:
- A whirlpool bath
- Flushing with a syringe and catheter
- Wet-to-dry dressings that lift away dead tissue
- Enzyme treatments that dissolve dead tissue
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to deliver more oxygen to the wound
Relieving pressure (offloading)
Foot ulcers are partly caused by too much pressure on one part of the foot. Your provider may ask you to wear special shoes, a brace, or a cast, or to use crutches or a wheelchair until the ulcer heals. All of which take pressure off the wound and speed recovery. Even a few minutes of pressure on a healing ulcer can undo a full day's progress, so consistent offloading matters.
To protect a healing ulcer, choose footwear carefully:
- Wear shoes made of breathable canvas, leather, or suede; not plastic.
- Choose adjustable shoes with laces, Velcro, or buckles.
- Make sure shoes fit properly and aren't too tight; a custom-made shoe may be needed.
- Avoid pointed or open-toe shoes like high heels, flip-flops, and sandals.
Diabetic ulcers can be very dangerous when their true severity goes unnoticed. If you have an open sore on your foot, call or click to schedule an appointment with Corbridge Podiatry today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a diabetic foot ulcer?
Look for any open sore, blister, crack, redness, or callus on the foot. Often on the sole. Because ulcers can be painless, inspect your feet daily and report anything unusual.
How long do diabetic ulcers take to heal?
With proper care, many heal over several weeks to a few months, depending on size, circulation, and how consistently pressure is kept off the wound.
Why can't I just treat an ulcer with a bandage?
Ulcers need professional debridement, offloading, and infection control to heal. A simple bandage doesn't address the pressure and dead tissue that keep the wound open.
What happens if a diabetic ulcer is left untreated?
Untreated ulcers can become infected and, in severe cases, lead to hospitalization or amputation. Prompt, ongoing podiatric care dramatically reduces that risk.
Related Services at Corbridge Podiatry
Diabetic Foot Care • Wound Care • Neuropathy Testing
Schedule Your Appointment.
Call Corbridge Podiatry at 435-222-0635 or request an appointment online. 903 S Main St Suite B, Brigham City, UT 84302.