People with diabetes often suffer with foot problems that can quickly lead to complications. Since high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves (neuropathy) in the feet, the diabetic patient must take proper foot care seriously. With a diabetic foot, a simple wound like a blister from wearing a shoe that’s too tight can cause a serious medical condition. Foot ulcers, ingrown toenails, blisters and skin breaks as well as bruises, cuts and scrapes should be examined and treated by a podiatrist. Based on individual circumstances, diabetic foot surgery can range from the removal of corns or calluses to the amputation of the lower leg.
Anyone with diabetes should clean and inspect their feet every day while observing all of the basic “dos and don’ts” to include:
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NOTE: Swelling in only one foot can be an early sign of Charcot (pronounced “sharko”) foot. This diabetic foot problem can destroy the bones (fractures) and joints (dislocations) causing foot deformity.
If you are diabetic, request an appointment online by submitting the form on this page or call Coastal Podiatry & Wound Care at (904) 265-0470 to learn more about proper diabetic foot care and help prevent the need for diabetic foot surgery.
Wound care focuses on restoring skin integrity and preventing skin care complications, such as post-trauma infections for patients with multi-system health complications. This can include a special regimen to promote new skin growth by changing the wound dressing, debridement, cleansing, compression therapy or the removal of dead tissue to prevent the spread of infection. From thermal burns to diabetic-venous foot ulcers and pressure wounds, non-healing wounds can dramatically impact a patient’s health and alter their activity level.
NOTE: Any wound that has not healed in four weeks of standard medical care should be evaluated by a wound care specialist to determine the best approach.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an option for chronic wounds. Patients receive 100 percent oxygen under pressure in a single-person chamber. This allows a high concentration of oxygen to attach to red blood cells and be transported to the wound site. Studies have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy has increased healing by an average of 25 percent in appropriate patients.
If you have a wound that is slow to heal, request an appointment online by submitting the form on this page or call our office at (904) 265-0470 to learn more about our advanced wound care services.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website is an educational resource. It is not intended to serve as a recommendation for the treatment or management of any medical condition. All decisions involving medical procedures or surgery should be made in conjunction with your physician.