Diabetic Wound Care
Woodly Foot and Ankle
Podiatrist located in Richland Hills, TX
About 15% of individuals with diabetes develop diabetic foot ulcers and need diabetic wound care. Prompt treatment prevents the ulcer from growing, reduces the risk of infection, and speeds up healing. At Woodly Foot & Ankle in Richland Hills, Texas, experienced podiatrist Charlton Woodly, DPM, uses diabetic wound care to treat diabetic ulcers and other slow-healing wounds. Call Woodly Foot & Ankle today to schedule a diabetic wound care consultation, or book your appointment online.
Diabetic Wound Care Q&A
What is diabetic wound care?
Diabetic wound care is a podiatry specialty that diagnoses and treats diabetic ulcers, a type of slow-healing wound.
Diabetes causes high blood sugar, regardless of type. Without treatment, abnormally high blood sugar levels cause your blood vessels to narrow, affecting circulation to your legs and feet.
Similarly, diabetes causes nerve damage (neuropathy), which can affect sensation in your feet and toes. If you cut yourself or step on a sharp object, you may not realize it, and the wound can become infected.
Can I benefit from diabetic wound care?
Request diabetic wound care at Woodly Foot & Ankle if you have diabetes and experience symptoms like:
- Cuts, blisters, calluses, or sores on your feet
- Skin discoloration
- Swelling
- Pain when standing and walking
Likewise, seek treatment if you have an ulcer (slow-healing open wound) on your lower legs, feet, or toes.
What happens during diabetic wound care?
At Woodly Foot & Ankle, Dr. Woodly tailors diabetic wound care to your needs. Even so, most appointments include the same approach.
First, Dr. Woodly reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when you noticed the wound and whether it’s grown since. He also asks about the type of diabetes you have and if you take medication, like insulin, to manage it.
Next, Dr. Woodly examines your lower legs, feet, and toes. He assesses the size, shape, and location of the wound and gently presses on the surrounding skin with various tools to check for numbness.
If your wound shows signs of infection, like discharge or discoloration, Dr. Woodly collects a skin sample (biopsy) and sends it to a lab for analysis. He may also recommend diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or a CT scan to see if the wound extends beneath your skin.
How are diabetic wounds treated?
Dr. Woodly takes a conservative, integrative approach to treating diabetic wounds. He could recommend:
- Cleaning the wound
- Draining any fluid or pus from the ulcer
- Tissue debridement (removing dead or damaged skin from around the wound)
- Applying special bandages and ointments to promote healing
- Prescription antibiotics (if the wound is infected)
- Using a wheelchair or crutches to take pressure off the affected foot
- Laser treatment (to relieve neuropathy-related pain)
Most people with diabetic wounds benefit from several treatments. Dr. Woodly monitors the healing process at regular checkups and adjusts your care plan as needed to ensure positive results.
Call Woodly Foot & Ankle today to schedule a diabetic wound care appointment, or book your visit online.