Diabetic Foot
Foot issues are common with people suffering from diabetes. This is a condition where the ulcers form on patients with diabetes.
Symptoms
- Changes in skin color
- Changes in skin temperature
- Swelling in the foot or ankle
- Pain in the legs. Corns or calluses
- Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal or are draining
- Ingrown toenails or toenails infected with fungus
- Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel
Treatment
- Cleaning the wound
- Draining any fluid or pus from the ulcer
- Removing or cutting away dead or infected tissue (called debridement)
- Applying special bandages and ointments to absorb extra fluid
- Protect the wound and help it heal
- Prescribing a wheelchair or crutches to take weight off the affected foot (called offloading)
- Prescribing oral or IV antibiotics to control and eliminate infection
