Living with diabetes means paying special attention to your foot health, especially when it comes to diabetic foot ulcers. These open sores have difficulty healing without proper care. At Best Foot Dr. NY, we specialize in diabetic foot care that helps manage and treat foot ulcers in Manhattan, NYC. This article discusses the common causes of diabetic foot ulcers and the most effective treatment options.
Causes of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers develop for a variety of reasons. Understanding the underlying causes can help prevent them from getting worse.
High Blood Sugar Levels
Consistently high blood sugar levels cause blood vessels to harden and narrow, restricting blood flow to your feet. This results in insufficient oxygen and nutrients getting to your feet to help wounds heal. When you notice an ulcer forming, see a diabetic foot doctor to get treatment and prevent infection.
Poor Circulation
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), common among diabetics, causes reduced blood flow to the feet and legs. When your feet don’t get enough blood, even minor cuts or blisters can turn into large, slow-healing diabetic foot ulcers. Poor circulation also means your feet are more likely to get infected.
Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
Nerve damage from diabetes, known as diabetic neuropathy, causes you to lose sensation in your feet. Small cuts or blisters may go unnoticed and worsen when you can’t feel pain. Regular visits to a local foot doctor in Manhattan help you stay on top of these issues and prevent them from escalating into diabetic foot ulcers.
Signs of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Knowing the early warning signs of foot ulcers and other diabetic foot problems can help you take action before complications occur. Watch for these symptoms and schedule an appointment for foot care in NYC if you experience:
Foot Pain
Diabetic foot pain, especially in the soles of your feet, is an early indication that you might be developing an ulcer. If the pain worsens while walking or standing, visit our team at Best Foot Dr. NY.
Changes in Skin Color
A diabetic foot ulcer tends to cause changes in the color of the skin around the affected area. Redness, discoloration, or a darkened patch on your foot indicates that an ulcer is forming or has already developed.
Swelling and Warmth
If your foot or ankle is swollen or feels warmer than usual, you could have an infection. Never ignore swelling around a diabetic foot ulcer—get immediate medical attention.
How To Treat Diabetic Foot Ulcers
At Best Foot Dr. NY, we provide treatments to help heal foot ulcers and prevent other diabetic foot problems. Here are some of the most effective ways to treat diabetic foot ulcers:
1. Offloading Pressure
Relieving pressure from the ulcerated area helps them heal faster. You might need to wear custom orthotics. In more severe cases, a cast or brace reduces the pressure on your wound.
2. Wound Care
Proper wound care promotes healing. Be sure to clean the ulcer regularly, remove any dead tissue through debridement, and apply dressings to protect the area from infection. Our podiatrists in Manhattan, are skilled in advanced wound care techniques to help you heal faster.
3. Infection Management
If your ulcer is infected, we may prescribe antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading. In some cases, surgery might be required to remove the infected tissue and prevent further damage. It’s important to see a diabetic foot care professional at the first sign of infection to avoid more severe complications.
Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Manhattan, NYC
Preventing foot ulcers starts with proper foot care and diabetes management. Following the right steps can reduce your risk of developing these painful and potentially dangerous wounds.
- Daily Foot Inspections: Inspect your feet daily to check for signs of cuts, blisters, or changes in skin color. If you can’t see the bottom of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone to help.
- Wear Proper Footwear: Pick shoes that fit you well. They shouldn’t rub or cause pressure points. Avoid walking barefoot, even at home, since it increases your risk of injury.
- Manage Your Blood Sugar: Keeping your blood sugar under control helps to prevent nerve damage and poor circulation that can lead to foot ulcers.
Take Control of Your Diabetic Foot Health in Manhattan, NYC
If you are dealing with a diabetic foot ulcer, you need to seek treatment as soon as possible. At Best Foot Dr. NY in Manhattan, we provide personalized diabetic foot care to help you heal and prevent future ulcers. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our team and take the first step toward better foot health.