Diabetic Wound Care

MB Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Specialists

Podiatry & Foot and Ankle Surgeons located in Glendale, CA & Palmdale, CA

If you have diabetes, you have an elevated risk of developing wounds, especially in your feet. At MB Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Specialists in Glendale and Palmdale, California, expert podiatrists offer comprehensive diabetic wound care services to heal wounds and reduce your risk of complications. Call the office to book an appointment or schedule one online today.

Diabetic Wound Care Q & A

What is diabetic wound care?

Diabetic wounds are open sores that appear in about 15% of people with diabetes. They commonly occur on the bottom of your feet. MB Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Specialists experts offer diabetic wound care for non-healing wounds so you can prevent serious complications, such as infection or the need for amputation.

What are the risk factors for diabetic wounds?

Anyone with diabetes can develop diabetic wounds, especially those who use insulin. Your risk also increases with diabetes-related eye, kidney, and heart problems. Other risk factors include alcohol use, tobacco use, and being overweight. 

Nerve damage linked with untreated diabetes may cause you to lose feeling in your feet, which can lead to injuries and non-healing foot ulcers. Having vascular disease complicates foot wounds by reducing your body’s ability to heal and increasing your risk of infection. 

How does my podiatrist diagnose diabetic wounds?

During an evaluation at MB Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Specialists, your provider discusses your symptoms and medical history. They complete a physical examination and assess foot health and non-healing wounds before developing an effective treatment.

What are common diabetic wound care treatments?

The experts at MB Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Specialists offer a variety of diabetic wound care treatments, including:

  • Removing wound pressure
  • Wound cleaning
  • Dead tissue removal (debridement)
  • Topical medications and dressings
  • Oral medications 
  • Casting or bracing
  • Skin grafts
  • Blood sugar management 
  • Minor surgical procedures
  • Laser treatments
  • Diabetic shoes or orthotics 
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

PRP uses growth factors from your blood to stimulate your body’s natural ability to generate new cells and heal. 

How can I reduce my risk of diabetic wounds?

Ways to reduce the risk of developing diabetes-related foot wounds include eating healthy foods, maintaining a healthy body weight, getting regular exercise, and taking diabetes medications as prescribed to control blood sugar.

Check your feet regularly, and see your podiatrist for routine foot evaluations if you have diabetes. Avoid walking around barefoot, especially in communal areas. Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly, and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. 

In addition to controlling your blood sugar, manage high cholesterol to reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. 

To learn more about diabetic wound care or take advantage of this treatment, call the nearest MB Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Specialists office, or schedule an appointment online today.