Foot ulcers are a common problem among people with diabetes. When you have diabetes, it affects major body systems, including your immune system. That means when you have a small cut or open sore, it may not heal. Instead, it may turn into a foot ulcer. Your Podiatric Surgeon can help. Dr. David Bastawros runs the specialized foot and ankle wound care outpatient clinic at Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital in Plano, TX.

What You Need to Know About Foot Ulcers

If you have a foot wound, no matter how small, you need to seek treatment for the wound quickly, before it can become a foot ulcer. When you have diabetes, you may not feel the wound immediately, so it’s important to check your feet regularly for injuries.

Foot ulcers can be of different colors, including yellow, pink, red, gray, or black. A foot ulcer may become black due to inadequate blood flow. In these cases, you may need surgery to remove the damaged or dead tissue.

When you have a foot ulcer, treatment includes several steps. Your foot doctor will:

• Gently and thoroughly clean the injured area to remove dirt, damaged skin, and debris
• Apply topical antibacterial or antibiotic gel or cream to the area
• Bandage the wound with sterile gauze or bandages
• Prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to eliminate infection
• Prescribe topical medications to reduce wound pain
• Provide assistive devices including walking casts or boots to help you stand and walk
• Physical therapy and exercises to help you stay flexible and mobile

Want to Know More?

Foot ulcers can be extremely painful and debilitating. Your foot doctor can help you stay on your feet. To find out more about the treatment of foot ulcers, talk with an expert. Call Dr. David Bastawros at Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital in Plano, TX. You can reach him in the office by calling (469) 814-3816, so call today.