A diabetic wound, often a foot ulcer, is a slow-healing sore due to diabetes-related nerve damage (neuropathy), poor circulation, and pressure, leading to tissue breakdown, often painless initially but prone to severe infection, potentially causing amputation. Management involves keeping wounds clean and moist with special dressings (foams, alginates), debridement (removing dead tissue), pressure relief (special shoes), controlling blood sugar, and sometimes advanced therapies like growth factors or hyperbaric oxygen, with prevention through diligent foot care being key.
Causes & Risk Factors
Neuropathy: Nerve damage reduces sensation, so you might not feel injuries.
Poor Circulation: Reduced blood flow hinders healing.
Pressure/Trauma: High pressure points on the feet (heels, balls) are common sites.
High Blood Sugar: Impairs immune function and healing.
Signs & Symptoms
Painless open sores (especially on feet).
Redness, swelling, warmth.
Drainage or pus.
Hardened skin or skin discoloration.
Management & Treatment
Foot Care: Daily inspection, proper hygiene, appropriate footwear (special shoes, padding).
Wound Care: Keeping it clean and moist, special dressings (foams, alginates).
Debridement: Removing dead tissue to promote healing.
Blood Sugar Control: Essential for preventing complications.
Advanced Therapies: Hyperbaric oxygen, growth factors, skin substitutes.
Key to Healing & Prevention
Prevention is crucial: Regular foot checks and controlling diabetes.
Early intervention: See a doctor for any new or slow-healing wound.
Amputation Risk: Foot ulcers precede 85% of diabetes-related amputations, highlighting the importance of care
