Non-healing diabetic wound
A diabetic ulcer usually occurs on your feet. If you have high blood sugar, your blood may flow slowly to your feet. An ulcer, wound or cut on your foot may get worse because you may not know it is there. This can lead to a large ulcer or wound.
Diabetes can damage your nerves and can cause poor circulation. When nerves in your legs and feet become damaged, you may have a hard time feeling pain, heat or cold. You can injure yourself and not know it because of the nerve damage. If your blood sugar is high, the extra sugar feels germs and an infection can get worse.
Common causes include:
- High blood sugar
- Nerve damage
- Poor circulation
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Dry and cracked skin
- Shoes and socks that do not fit
If you have any of the above causes it would be helpful to control your blood sugar, ask your doctor or nurse to look at your feet at each visit, wear socks with no seams, wear shoes that fit, never go barefoot, gently apply lotion when your feet feel dry or flaky, cut your toenails only when your doctor or nurse says it is safe and wash and check your feet every day.
Early treatment will allow quick healing of the wound and prevent it from coming back once it is healed. It is very important to follow the directions given to you by your doctor or nurse.
The wound healing team will work with you and your physician to help identify and heal the diabetic wound. Remember to eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. If able be active 30 minutes every day. Your doctor will tell you which exercises are right for you.
Wound Care Center
Regional Rehabilitation Institute
2908 Fifth Street (3rd Floor)
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 719-1309
Services are available Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.