Diabetic Foot Ulcer

About 15% of people with diabetes develop diabetic foot ulcers. These slow-healing wounds increase the risk of infection and other problems, so prompt treatment is essential. At Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, the vascular surgeons and wound care experts specialize in diabetic foot ulcer treatment. They know what it takes to speed up healing and lower the risk of the wound returning. Call the office in McAllen or Rio Grande City, Texas, to schedule diabetic foot ulcer treatment, or book your appointment online today.

What are diabetic foot ulcers?

Diabetic foot ulcers are slow-healing, open wounds that form on the legs, feet, and toes.

They occur when diabetes –– a group of chronic diseases characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood –– causes fatty deposits to collect in and damage your blood vessels. This cuts off blood flow to your lower extremities (legs and feet), depriving them of oxygen and nutrients.

Over time, lack of blood flow causes your skin cells to die, forming an open wound (or ulcer).

What are the symptoms of diabetic foot ulcers?

Diabetic foot ulcer symptoms include:

• Open wound on your lower leg, foot, or toe
• Peeling, cracking, or discolored skin
• Skin that’s warm to the touch
• Redness and inflammation

If the ulcer becomes infected, it’ll ooze blood or pus.

How are diabetic foot ulcers diagnosed?

Your Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, provider reviews your medical records and asks about your ulcer, including when it appeared, what it feels like, and if you’ve noticed signs of infection like redness or oozing pus. They also ask about your diabetes, including what type you have and whether you take medication to control your blood sugar levels.

Next, your provider examines the wound, assessing its size, site, and appearance. They evaluate the surrounding skin for scaling, cracking, and discoloration. Most diabetic ulcers can be diagnosed visually, but your provider might take a skin sample (biopsy) if they suspect an infection. They could also order X-rays to see how far the wound extends beneath your skin.

How are diabetic foot ulcers treated?

The Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, team takes an integrative, minimally invasive approach to treating diabetic foot ulcers. They could suggest:

• Cleaning the ulcer and covering it with wound dressings to promote healing
• Draining the wound of pus to halt an infection
• Wound debridement to remove dead and infected tissue
• Custom orthotics (prescription shoe inserts) to take pressure off the ulcer
• Elevating your foot to increase blood flow and promote healing
• Prescription or intravenous (IV) antibiotics to prevent infection
• Antiplatelet or anticlotting medication to support blood flow
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
• Wearing compression garments to increase blood flow to your legs and feet

Most people benefit from several of these treatments. However, surgery might be necessary if you have a severe ulcer that fails to heal. For example, skin graft surgery can prevent the ulcer from growing and help the wound close.

Call the nearest Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, office to schedule diabetic foot ulcer treatment, or book your appointment online today.