Diabetic Foot Treatment in Sugar Land, TX

Diabetic Foot Care Solutions by Trusted Professionals

Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists in Sugar Land, TX has been diagnosing and treating patients with foot ulcers for over a decade. Our knowledgeable and experienced team is always here to ensure that you understand your diagnoses and treatment options. Patients suffering from diabetes may have a lot of questions regarding diabetic ulcers. Continue reading to learn more about the causes, complications, and treatment options. Then, contact us to schedule your appointment.

What Is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound that normally forms at the bottom of the foot. About 15% of people with diabetes will develop a diabetic foot ulcer. However, many studies have shown that diabetic foot ulcers are preventable. There are three types of foot ulcers:

• Neuropathic – These types of foot ulcers are most common in people with diabetes and result from the loss of sensation in the foot, which leads to a continual breakdown of the tissue.
• Neruoischemic – Blood flow is required to promote healing throughout your body. Unfortunately for those with peripheral vascular disease, their body has trouble distributing blood to their digits, leading to tissue breakdown. Neruoischemic ulcers normally occur on the underside of the toes and fingers.
• Ischemic – Clogged arteries and poor blood flow contribute to ischemic ulcers, normally found on the arms and legs. People with diabetes ulcers and those who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smokers are at a higher risk of developing an ischemic ulcer.

Who Is at Risk of Developing a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

While anyone with diabetes is at risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcer, many other risk factors may increase the chances. People with diabetes need to understand these risk factors and be proactive in managing them. At Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, we believe that it’s important that you manage your foot care to prevent diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic patients are at a higher risk of developing a foot ulcer with any combination of the following:

• Excessively Dry Skin
• Over the Age of 40
• Hypertension
• History of Diabetes
• Smokes
• Previous Foot Ulcers
• High Blood Glucose Levels
• Poor Blood Flow

How Do the Microorganisms Enter the Foot?

Microorganisms can enter your body through your feet. People with diabetes are particularly susceptible to a foot infection because of lack of circulation, foot ulcers, and chronically dry skin that can lead to breakage. Once a microorganism has entered your foot, it can lead to a foot infection. Maintaining proper foot health is essential, especially for those at higher risk.

How Do Diabetic Foot Ulcers Form?

Diabetic foot ulcers share one trait: they are common in people with diabetes. However, how they form can be caused by any number of factors. In some instances, an ulcer may be formed acutely, like from trauma. In other cases, a diabetic foot ulcer may form over the course of days or weeks due to continual irritation, leading to the breakdown of the skin. People with diabetes often have poor circulation, which inhibits their body’s ability to heal wounds. If you have diabetes, you must take care of your feet and pay special attention to any irritation that you notice.

Is There a Special Kind of Footwear Available for Those With Diabetes?

Special diabetic footwear is available that is designed specifically to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers. The soft, lightweight, and breathable material will irritate your skin less and allow for a more comfortable fit. Special shock-absorbing soles will put less stress and pressure on the part of your foot that is most at-risk to develop an ulcer.

How Do Blood Sugar Levels Affect Your Feet?

Your feet and toes rely on smaller blood vessels to receive blood. However, high blood sugar levels will restrict the flow of blood throughout the body by hardening and narrowing your blood vessels. Without as much blood reaching your feet and toes, wounds will take longer to heal and will eventually lead to ulcers if not adequately cared for.

How Can You Treat a Foot Ulcer?

When you’ve been diagnosed with a foot ulcer, it’s important that you properly treat it to ensure that it doesn’t become infected. Your doctor may prescribe you antibiotic medication to prevent an infection. You may also treat the wound at home by:

• Keeping the wound clean and dry
• Routinely change the dressings
• Staying hydrated

How Can I Prevent a Foot Ulcer?

The most effective way for people with diabetes to prevent foot ulcers from forming is to care for their feet. To prevent irritation, routinely inspect for debris that may have entered your shoe and remove it. People with diabetes should also purchase diabetic footwear that reduces the impact on their soles.  Maintain a proper skincare routine to prevent the skin on their feet from drying out and cracking.

Can I Take Both Pills and Insulin to Control My Blood Sugar?

Combination therapy is common for people with type two diabetes. If your doctor prescribes it, you can use both pills and insulin to control your blood sugar. As always, it’s important to monitor your body’s blood sugar levels.

Diabetic Foot Care Solutions for You

For over a decade, patients throughout Sugar Land, TX, and the surrounding communities have trusted Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists for all of their diabetic foot treatment. We utilize industry-leading medical technology and technique to quickly and accurately diagnose your ulcer and provide you with comprehensive and customized recovery solutions. Our knowledgeable and experienced team is here to help you every step of the way. Schedule your next appointment with us and learn more about diabetic foot ulcer warning signs, symptoms, and treatment options.