Diabetic Foot Ulcers and wounds
We Treat Venous Stasis Ulcers in Millsboro & Seaford, DE
If you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk of developing neuropathy or a condition that affects the nerves of the legs and feet. Diabetic neuropathy can eventually cause diabetic foot ulcers or toe ulcers. At Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle, our team of experienced doctors can assess diabetic foot ulcers and venous stasis ulcers in Millsboro and Seaford, DE. We offer surgical and non-surgical treatment options for diabetic wounds of the feet and toes. We treat all types of ulcers, including Diabetic, Neuropathic, Venous stasis, Arterial ulcers, traumatic wounds and ulcers. Call us today to schedule a diabetic foot risk assessment today.
Causes of Diabetic Blisters on Feet
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound or sore on the foot or toe that doesn’t heal on its own. They are caused by diabetic neuropathy, which is a condition that affects the nerves in the legs and feet. Because neuropathy causes you to lose feeling in your legs and feet, you may not be aware of scrapes, cuts, punctures, and other wounds that you have developed. Over time, these injuries can turn into venous stasis ulcers or diabetic foot ulcers. Without treatment, this ulcer can become infected. Severe foot and/or toe infections may require surgery or amputation. Our team of doctors and specialists can help you treat or prevent diabetic wounds like foot and toe ulcers. You are at a higher risk of diabetic wounds or diabetic blisters on feet and toes if you have:
● Alcohol abuse disorder.
● Blood circulation issues.
● Bunions.
● Hammer toes.
● Heart disease.
● Kidney disease.
● Obesity.
● Tobacco use or overuse.
Symptoms of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
If you recognize the early warning signs of a diabetic foot ulcer, you can visit our office before you develop an infection or gangrene. If you have diabetes and/or are at risk of neuropathy, check your feet every morning and evening. If you notice any of these issues, call our office to schedule an appointment:
● A halo around a callus or wound on your foot.
● Significant changes in the condition of the skin on the feet or toes, including dry, cracked, or scaly skin and redness or skin rashes.
● New or worsening calluses on your feet or toes.
● Hardening of the skin on your foot or toes.
● Drainage or pus on your feet or toes.
● Discoloration of the skin.
● A strong odor.
Diabetic Foot Ulcer Stages
Ulcers are open wounds that occur in different depths and stages. They may look like a crater or a wedge and can be yellow, pink, red, gray, or black. Black diabetic wounds are necrotic, which means that the cells and tissues have died. Most diabetic foot ulcers start as small as one centimeter wide. Without treatment, they can grow to the size of the entire foot. The Wagner Diabetic Foot Ulcer Stages are:
● Grade 0 – The skin is intact and undamaged. You do not have any wounds, cuts, scrapes, or signs of a diabetic foot ulcer.
● Grade 1 – You have a diabetic foot ulcer or diabetic wound that is superficial. This means that the skin is broken, but the wound only affects the upper layers of the skin.
● Grade 2 – The diabetic foot ulcer is a deep wound.
● Grade 3 – The diabetic wound is deep enough that part of the foot or toe bone is visible.
● Grade 4 – Part of the foot is black or gangrenous, indicating cell and tissue death.
● Grade 5 – The entire foot is gangrenous.
Treatment of Diabetic Sores on Feet
Before we recommend treatment of diabetic sores on feet, we will take an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan to determine how deep the ulcer goes and how serious it is. We will also determine if you have an infection or any sign of gangrenous tissue. We can then recommend surgical or non-surgical treatment for diabetic foot ulcers and diabetic wounds. Our non-surgical treatment options include:
● Diabetic wound care and antibiotics.
● Compression stockings and/or elevation.
● Anti-clotting or antiplatelet medications.
● Drainage and cleaning of diabetic wounds.
● Orthotics, braces, or specialized shoes.
Our surgical treatment methods include:
● Debridement of diabetic wounds.
● Achilles tendon lengthening.
● Hammertoe repair.
● Plantar exostectomy.
● Metatarsal osteotomies.
● Bone shaving or removal.
● Tenotomy.
● Reconstructive surgery.
Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers
● You can reduce your risk of diabetic foot ulcers by:
● Managing your diabetes.
● Wearing appropriate footwear and compression garments.
● Never walking barefoot.
● Checking your feet and toes every morning and evening.
● Managing your blood pressure and cholesterol.
● Exercising regularly.
● Caring for your toenails.
● Maintaining a healthy weight.
● Quitting smoking.
● Visiting a podiatrist regularly.
Schedule a consultation for Foot or Ankle Wounds in Millsboro and Seaford, DE
Call or contact us online to schedule a consultation for diabetic foot ulcers in Millsboro or Seaford, DE. We can examine your feet and toes and check for signs of diabetic wounds, venous stasis ulcers or diabetic blisters on your feet. We diagnose, evaluate, and treat infections and ulcers, corns and calluses, skin conditions, nail disorders, poor circulation, hammertoes and bunions, and Charcot foot.