Author: Liz Kovac
What is a chronic wound?
"A chronic wound is a wound that fails to progress in the healing process or respond to treatment," said Dr. Kevin Florek, hyperbaric physician at McLaren Lapeer Region Wound Care Clinic. "You should seek treatment if you have a wound that hasn't improved in a month or more."
Diabetic foot ulcers: a common chronic wound
A diabetic foot ulcer is a preventable, open sore commonly found at the bottom of the foot. Because of its location on the body, a foot ulcer can quickly become a chronic wound.
What causes diabetic foot ulcers?
Foot ulcers often occur in diabetic patients because of poor circulation or lack of feeling in the foot (neuropathy). Because patients might not be able to feel pain in their feet, a foot ulcer could easily go unnoticed and untreated, leading to a chronic wound.
Chronic foot ulcer treatment
Common treatments of chronic foot ulcers include:
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Daily wound cleaning and dressing
- Addressing infection
- Restoring blood flow
- Off-loading (keeping weight and pressure off a wound)
- Lowering blood sugar
How to prevent a foot ulcer
Inspect your feet: If you have diabetes, it is important to inspect your feet daily, especially if you have a loss of feeling in them.
Focus on your overall health: To reduce your risk of foot ulcers refrain from smoking, alcohol, and poor eating habits that could lead to high cholesterol or elevated blood glucose.
Do your shoes fit?: Good shoes are a basic but important element in preventing foot ulcers.
For more information regarding the McLaren Lapeer Region Wound Care Clinic, call (810) 667-5575.