Diabetic Wound Care in Viera, FL
When it comes to having diabetes, one of the most important parts is caring for your feet. There are complications that can occur with diabetes that make it difficult to detect a wound without actually seeing it and this can lead to wounds that don’t heal and then cause infection. Our podiatry team at Viera Podiatry can help you learn how to prevent ulcers with diabetic wound care.
Caring for Diabetic Feet
It’s crucial that you’re aware of what could cause a diabetic ulcer so that you know when to turn to your podiatrist in Viera, FL for diabetic wound care. If left untreated, a wound could easily lead to infection, which could cause further problems in your body and even lead to amputation of your foot.
If you injure yourself or there’s a rock in your shoe that you can’t feel, it could cause a wound that needs to be treated as soon as possible. There are different factors when it comes to diabetes that cause these wounds to not heal and cause infection. High blood sugar can cause the arteries to stiffen and restrict blood and oxygen throughout your body, which decreases the body’s natural healing abilities, causing these wounds to stay open.
With diabetes, most people will experience nerve damage as well. Because of this nerve damage, many people don’t have full feeling in their feet, which means that you won’t be able to fully feel if you’ve experienced a cut. If you’re not checking your feet on a regular basis, you won’t be able to know that you’re dealing with a wound. Similarly, poor circulation can also contribute to this numbness and leave wounds going undetected.
The Importance of Diabetic Foot Evaluations
A diabetic foot evaluation is a thorough assessment performed by your podiatrist to identify any potential issues related to diabetes. During an evaluation, your podiatrist will check for signs of cuts, blisters, or ulcers on your feet. Podiatrists will also assess the blood flow to the feet by checking pulses in the legs and feet. Your feet will be checked for signs of nerve damage and your footwear will be checked to ensure you’re wearing shoes that are in good condition.
Identifying problems early can prevent minor issues from becoming serious complications. Proper foot care advice can also help prevent foot ulcers, infections, and other issues. When your foot health is in check, it also helps you properly manage your diabetes and ensure that no changes need to be made.
Seeing the same podiatrist consistently helps build a strong patient-doctor relationship. This continuity ensures that your podiatrist is familiar with your condition and can monitor changes over time more effectively. Independent practices often focus on creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for patients. This can make your visits more pleasant and less stressful.