Diabetic Foot Ulcer : Wounds of Diabetic Concerns

 

 

 

     The symptom of “diabetic foot” is considered a common complication in diabetic patients who do not properly control their blood sugar levels. When blood sugar is at a high level for a long period, it often results in deterioration of the capillaries and nerves in the feet, the wound becomes chronically inflamed, easily infected, and difficult to treat.

 

The Severity of Diabetes

     A survey found that in one year, there were more than one million diabetic patients who lost organs, although the trend of statistics is increasing, not all patients who have diabetic ulcers will always have to undergo amputation of a finger, foot, or leg. The heart of diabetic wound care is to take care of and prevent the wound from spreading.

 

 

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Keeping an eye out for symptoms of foot wounds and rushing to see a doctor for early treatment will greatly reduce the chance of organ loss.

 

 

The Symptoms of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

In addition to regularly examining their own feet, diabetics should always observe the initial symptoms of “diabetic foot” as follows.

 

• Reduction of hair on toes, feet, or shins.
• The skin color around the toes darkens and, in some cases, becomes abnormally pale.
• Felt no pulse on the back of the foot.
• Feeling pain in the legs or feet when walking.
• The temperature of the two feet is not the same.
• The affected foot is usually cooler than the normal foot.
• Front toenails grow or crack.
• The feet or toes are swollen, red, or an unusual color.
• Chronic wound, feeling hurt or irritated, has a bad odor.
• If the infection spreads, pus flows, and may show symptoms of a rotten toe.

 

 

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 If wounds are found on the feet, treat them promptly and keep them clean. If the wound becomes inflamed, heals slowly, or shows severe symptoms, see a doctor quickly for proper treatment. 

 

 

 

 

 

4 Levels of Diabetic Wounds

Many diabetic patients are without pain but only later notice the wound on their foot. These diabetic wounds cannot often be treated with normal methods. The severity of the wound will vary according to the nature of the wound, which can be divided into 4 levels:

 

• Level 0: No symptoms of eczema.
• Level I: A wound without inflammation.
• Level II: A wound is so deep that tendons and bones are visible.
• Level III: A wound has spread to a large area, and inflamed pustules become apparent.

 

3 Main Causes of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

1.  Peripheral Nerve Degeneration

     Patients with diabetes often experience numbness or no feeling in the feet and may start to feel numbness from the tips of their toes and move up to the back of the foot and leg. Such a situation occurs due to long-term high blood sugar levels, resulting in the nervous system functioning abnormally and eventually leading to nerve degeneration.

 

Symptoms

     When a wound occurs in that area, patients are often not aware of it, and let the wound become inflamed by walking and putting weight on the wound area, causing the wound to be constantly pressed and cannot be cured.

 

2.  Blood Vessel Abnormalities

     A hardening of the arteries leads to blockage in diabetic patients often results in tissue ischemia. This is because the blood cannot circulate to nourish it adequately, so when chronic wounds occur, wound healing is more difficult than usual, especially around the tips of the toes or heels.

 

3.  Complications From Infection

     In addition, the effects of a lack of blood supply to the tissues make the wound heal more slowly than in normal people. Wounds on the feet are easily exposed to bacteria, the wound becomes inflamed and spreads, and can lead to the loss of feet or legs.

 

 

 

 

Post-Diabetic Wound Care

• Strictly control blood sugar levels within normal limits.
• Regularly clean the wound with sterile saline, and wash the wound 2-4 times a day.
• Do not use alcohol to clean wounds.
• Dry the wound thoroughly after cleaning the wound and cover the wound until it is completely dry.
• See a doctor to evaluate the wound to see if there is peripheral artery stenosis.
• Do not wash the wound by soaking the foot in water.
• Do not trim wounds using sharp objects.
• Reduce the impact on the wound by changing shoes or using special tools according to the doctor's instructions.
• Dress the wound strictly according to the doctor's instructions and continuously follow up on treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

More Detail

 

 

 

Recommendations From Diabetes Specialist

     If the wound heals slowly and abnormal symptoms occur, such as feeling pain and pus coming out of the wound, the toes become dark green, swelling, redness, and heat in the nearby tissue area, see a doctor immediately to receive treatment. This will help prevent wound inflammation from spreading and reduce the chance of organ loss.