Diabetic Foot and Chronic Foot Wounds: Treatment Methods and Precautions

Diabetic foot and chronic foot ulcers are serious complications that are common in diabetic patients. Treating these wounds and reducing the risk of infection is of great importance. In this blog post, we will focus on how diabetic foot and chronic foot sores can be treated and the importance of prevention.

Diabetic Foot Wounds:

Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds on the feet of people with diabetes. They can be caused by a combination of factors such as uncontrolled blood sugar levels and nerve damage. Treatment of diabetic foot ulcers is possible with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods.

The following methods can be used for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers:

• Wound cleaning and infection control: Wounds should be cleaned in a sterile manner and the risk of infection should be minimized.

• Ensuring pressure distribution: Pressure points should be reduced by using shoes and pads suitable for the feet.

• Blood sugar control: Keeping diabetes under control supports wound healing.

Chronic Foot Wounds:

Chronic foot wounds are wounds that take a long time to heal. Poor circulation, pressure points, infections and nerve damage can be effective in the development of chronic foot wounds. Treatment of chronic foot ulcers should include wound care, infection control and pressure relieving methods.

The following methods can be used in the treatment of chronic foot ulcers:

• Wound care: The wound should be cleaned regularly and dead tissue should be removed.

• Infection control: The risk of infection should be minimized by applying antibiotic treatment when necessary.

• Pressure reducing methods: Pressure points should be reduced by using special shoes, pads and wound dressings.

• Circulatory regulation: In patients with circulatory disorders, circulation-regulating treatments should be applied.

Treatment and Precautions for Diabetic Foot and Chronic Foot Wounds

The treatment of diabetic foot and chronic foot ulcers is usually carried out in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. This team may include specialists such as doctors, podiatrists, diabetes educators and surgeons. The following steps are followed in the treatment process:

• Wound cleaning and infection control: The wound should be cleaned in a sterile way and treated with antibiotics if necessary. Hygiene rules should be followed to reduce the risk of infection.

• Ensuring pressure distribution: Special shoes, pads and wound dressings can be used to reduce pressure points. Shoes suitable for the foot structure should be selected and special pads should be used when necessary.

• Tissue repair and wound dressings: Tissue repair methods and appropriate wound dressings can be used to accelerate wound healing. These methods support the healing process by allowing the wound to breathe.

• Medication: If necessary, topical or systemic medication can be used to promote wound healing. These medications may have properties that promote wound healing and reduce the risk of infection.

In addition to treating diabetic foot and chronic foot wounds, it is also important to take precautions. The following measures can prevent sores from forming or reduce the risk:

• Diabetes control: Keeping blood sugar levels under control is the most important step in preventing foot sores. It is vital to follow your doctor’s instructions for diabetes management.

• Foot care: Feet should be checked regularly and kept clean and moisturized. Care should be taken with nail cutting and skin care. Expert help should be sought in case of prolonged standing or injuries.

• Shoe selection: Appropriate shoes should be selected to protect the feet from tight or narrow shoes. Comfortable shoes suitable for the foot structure should be preferred.

• Regular examinations: Diabetic feet should be examined regularly by specialists. Early diagnosis is an important step in starting treatment.

Diabetic foot and chronic foot wounds are important health problems that can lead to serious complications. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment methods and precautions are of great importance for the treatment and prevention of these wounds. Keeping diabetes under control, regular foot care, choosing appropriate footwear and regular examinations are effective steps in preventing foot ulcers. The treatment process carried out in cooperation with a multidisciplinary team may vary depending on the general health status of the individual and the severity of the wound. It is always important to consult a specialist regarding diabetic foot and chronic foot ulcers.