Do you know what it takes to manage your wounds? If you have diabetes, we encourage you to keep reading. Caring for ulcers the wrong way can have severe consequences. If you are managing diabetes, you may be familiar with a common complication that concerns podiatrists. We’re talking about a diabetic foot ulcer. It is also known as a cut or a wound.
Dr. Brett Stark of Auburn Foot Care Center meets often with patients who have diabetes. He encourages them to check their blood sugar regularly and add more physical activity to the day to improve circulation. Smoking is also a habit that must stop.
If you are feeling overwhelmed about how to address the cut on your foot, we’re here to reassure you of your next steps. We know it takes a team to tackle the complications of diabetes, and we are ready to be right by your side.
Here are three mistakes to avoid:
Forgetting to clean your cut
If you are not cleaning your ulcer, you are placing yourself in a position to develop an infection. One of the first things we encourage is to clean your wound and keep it dry. We also tell our patients to change their bandages regularly. While switching out bandages, ring the alarm if you see redness, swelling, or discharge. These visual symptoms may signal infection.
Walking around barefoot
Wait! Are you walking barefoot around your home or outside while managing a wound? Here are the doctor’s orders: please stop. It is important to keep your wound away from unnecessary pressure. Remember, you are trying to give it space to heal. Consider using crutches to limit pressure. Ask about orthotics, too.
Keeping your podiatrist in the dark
Trust us — you want a foot and ankle expert to be a phone call away if you have questions about your wound. Most people with diabetes already have a care team; we hope a podiatrist makes the list. Keep your doctor in the loop and alert them to any signs of infection. Without proper care, you may face limb amputation.
We’re here to make sure you do the right things about your ulcer. Allow us to support you in your care.
At Auburn Foot Care Center, Dr. Brett Stark, our board-certified podiatrist, treats a variety of conditions such as diabetic foot care, sports injuries, bunions, ingrown toenails, arthritis, and pediatric foot care. We provide quality service and advanced technology care for patients in Lee County. Contact our office at 334-466-1401. We are in Auburn, Alabama. Our address is 1559 Professional Parkway. We also offer telemedicine appointments.
