Wound Care

How To Perform a Daily Diabetic Foot Self-Exam To Prevent Serious Complications

Wounds on the foot that are open sores or ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors. Those with diabetes may have foot wounds due to poor circulation or neuropathy. If you notice a foot ulcer, it is important to care for it properly, so it doesn’t become a bigger problem. Below is our guide to wound care for feet, whether you’re treating your concerns at home or in our office with our experienced Tarrant County podiatrist.

How To Perform a Daily Diabetic Foot Self-Exam To Prevent Serious Complications

Doing a self-exam of your feet daily is essential when you have certain medical conditions, especially diabetes. Looking for any problems or abnormalities on your feet can help you detect them at their earliest stages before they turn into something bigger and lead to serious complications such as infection.

To do a self-exam of your feet, you want to be in a well-lighted area. Sit in a chair and lift your foot over your opposite leg and look at every part of your foot and between your toes. If you are unable to see an area, use a mirror or ask a friend for help. You want to pay close attention to any open sores, blisters, or ulcers as well as dry or cracked skin.

How To Treat Foot Wounds?

If you notice a wound on your foot, you should seek immediate treatment. The goal of treating a foot wound is to reduce the risk of infection, which can lead to serious complications such as amputation. Our Tarrant County podiatrist will diagnose and evaluate the severity of the wound and recommend treatment based on your specific condition and needs.

Home Care for Your Foot Wound

Clean the wound with cool water and a mild soap to remove any dirt or debris
Cover the wound with a dressing or bandage
Keep pressure off the wound

If you have diabetes, you will want to consult with our Tarrant County podiatrist to have the wound evaluated and treated properly.

Treatment Options in Our Grapevine or Keller Offices

Using antibiotics either orally or topically to prevent infection
Keeping the wound covered to prevent germs and bacteria from entering the open sore
Using pain medication, if needed
Offloading to keep pressure off the foot
Debriding to remove dead tissue from the wound and promote new tissue growth and healing

If a wound is not healing and responding to conservative treatments, surgery may be needed.

Contact an Experienced Tarrant County Podiatrist for More Wound Care for Feet Tips

If you have developed a foot wound, our Tarrant County podiatrist at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists can help. To request an appointment or a consultation, contact our Grapevine or Keller office by filling out our convenient online contact form below or by calling our office at 817-481-4000.