Find out the most effective ways to care for your diabetic wounds to prevent complications.
Did you know that if you have diabetes you should be seeing a podiatrist at least once a year if not more often for a foot exam? While feet may be the last thing on your mind when you have diabetes it’s important to give your feet the proper care they deserve to prevent infection or other serious issues from developing. Fortunately, when problems do arise, know that our Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview, FL, podiatrists Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel offer comprehensive wound care.
It’s not all that uncommon for those with diabetes to also be more susceptible to foot problems. This is why it’s so important to see our foot doctors often, particularly if you are having any new symptoms or problems including:
- Corns or calluses
- Redness
- Swelling or inflammation
- Tenderness
- Skin color or temperature changes
- Pain
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness
- An open wound or sore
- An ingrown toenail
While for many individuals these conditions above are often minor, for those with diabetes these problems can quickly manifest into something more serious. This is why you need to turn to our Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview, FL, podiatrists right away for wound care.
How should I treat a diabetic wound?
Regardless of whether this is your first wound or not, it’s important that you don’t try to treat the problem on your own. A diabetic wound, even a minor one, can turn into a serious infection if left improperly treated, so leave your wound care to our foot experts.
Treating a diabetic foot ulcer often involves off-loading the area by taking pressure off the ulcer through special shoes, a removable cast or crutches. Debridement may also be performed, in which we remove dead tissue. Antibiotic ointment may be applied to prevent infection before dressing the wound. To prevent an infection from occurring, our diabetic foot care team will show you how to properly cleanse and bandage the wound at home.
When you are dealing with diabetic wounds or other issues, know that our Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview, FL, podiatrists Dr. Ricciardi and Dr. Patel specialize in providing patients with wound care. To schedule an immediate appointment with the team at Emerald Coast Podiatry, call us at 850-862-4119 or 850-682-6522.