Diabetic Foot Wounds

Everyone can suffer from a wound, but roughly 15% of diabetics develop a particular type of spontaneous wound known as a foot ulcer. A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound, most typically located on the bottom of the foot. Diabetic foot wounds may be serious, especially if the patient suffers from poor circulation and, therefore, slow healing. If the blood flow problem due to PAD is not addressed, the likelihood of healing is remote and amputation may be required.

Diabetics are prone to suffering from other illnesses and health concerns. Patients who have been diagnosed with kidney or heart disease relating to diabetes are at even higher risk of developing spontaneous diabetic wounds. Other risk factors that may lead to diabetic wounds include:

• Overweight/obese
• Drinking excessive alcohol
• Tobacco use

Foot ulcers can form due to various reasons, each of which may differ from one diabetic to the next. Potential causes of diabetic wounds include:

• Lack of feeling in the foot
• Poor circulation, which often results in PAD
• Trauma
• Diabetic neuropathy–a medical condition in which diabetics develop nerve damage due to poor blood sugar control. This results in not feeling pain, therefore impeding timely assessment and treatment of the foot ulcer
• Underlying cardiovascular diseases

As a diabetic, it’s imperative that you get your feet checked regularly by your healthcare provider. It is also helpful to learn how to check your own feet so you can spot any abnormalities early on. As with most health concerns, the earlier they are identified, the better. 

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) can contribute to slow wound healing because of its relation to poor blood circulation, resulting in infected foot ulcers. Getting screened if you are at risk of developing PAD is critical if we are to treat it in time and adequately monitor your condition.

As a renowned cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeon in Houston, Dr. Davis has extensive experience in treating a wide variety of arterial diseases and knows exactly how they may contribute to other health concerns, such as diabetic wounds. If you are a diabetic and are concerned about your wounds and their slow healing, please book an appointment with Dr. Davis.