What is the Value of Treating a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
Once an ulcer is noticed, seek podiatric medical care immediately. Foot ulcers in patients with diabetes should be treated for several reasons such as, reducing the risk of infection and amputation, improving function and quality of life, and reducing health care costs. How Should a Diabetic Foot Ulcer be Treated? The primary goal in the treatment of foot ulcers is to obtain healing as soon as possible. The faster the healing, the less chance for an infection. There are several key factors in the appropriate treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer: • Prevention of infection. • Taking the pressure off the area, called off-loading. • Removing dead skin and tissue, called debridement. • Applying medication or dressings to the ulcer. • Managing blood glucose and other health problems. Not all ulcers are infected; however if your podiatric physician diagnoses an infection, a treatment program of antibiotics, wound care, and possibly hospitalization will be necessary. There are several important
