If you are diabetic, you know about the importance of caring for your feet. Because diabetes can affect blood circulation, wounds on the foot can be slow to heal, leaving you susceptible to infection and other issues. Caring for any cuts or wounds needs to be a deliberate process, but what are some of the best ways to care for a wound on your foot? In today’s blog, we share some tips for caring for a sore on your foot if you have diabetes.
Caring For A Diabetic Foot Wound
Caring for a diabetic wound on your feet begins with regular foot exams. Always take a closer look at your feet when you get out of the shower or when you take your socks off at the end of the day. If you notice a new wound or sore has developed, you’ll want to keep the following tips in mind:
1. Keep The Area Clean – Try to keep the area as clean as possible. Wash your hands with soap and water before cleaning the wound with warm water and a cloth. Keeping the area clean is essential for reducing your risk of an infection.
2. Gently Dry The Area – Once you’ve washed and cleaned the area, gently dry it off with a fresh towel or cloth. If washing the area has caused any bleeding or drainage to occur, apply some gentle pressure to the area.
3. Apply Antibiotic Cream – Once the area is clean and dry, you’ll want to further reduce your risk of an infection by applying an antibiotic cream. These creams can help to keep germs out, and the moisture can keep the skin around the wound site from drying out and cracking.
4. Apply A Bandage Or Cover – After the antiseptic has been applied, you’ll want to help keep foreign invaders out of the area by covering it with a bandage or gauze. Your wound will heal best when it is clean, covered and moist.
5. Keep Pressure Off The Area – This is easier said than done if the wound is on the bottom of your foot, but you’ll still want to minimize the amount of pressure you put on the area. Special shoes or orthotic inserts can help to protect the area and provide an ideal healing environment. Talk to your foot specialist if you are wondering how you can best protect a wound on your foot from additional stress while it heals.
6. Maintain Your Blood Sugar Levels – Try to keep your blood glucose levels in check at all times if you are diabetic, but that’s especially true while your body is attempting to divert resources to help the foot wound heal. Foot ulcers and sores will only become more common if you don’t do a good job of managing your blood sugar levels.
If you an keep all of the above tips in mind, and you work with a doctor who specializes in helping treat diabetic foot issues, you will be able to increase your chances of experiencing a fast recovery.