COnditions we treat

What is a diabetic wound?

A diabetic wound (ulcer) is an open, slow-healing wound that typically appears on the feet of individuals with diabetes. People with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes have up to a 25% chance of developing diabetic foot ulcers in their lifetime.

Fortunately, early detection and treatment of diabetic wounds can prevent infections and reduce the risk of amputation.

What are the symptoms of a diabetic wound?

Diabetic wounds are often characterized by:

• Non-healing foot or leg wounds.
• Slow-healing wounds that take weeks or months to heal.
• Wounds that appear red, brown, blue, purple, yellow, or mixed colors.
• Wounds with liquid discharge or pus.
• Itchy or hardened skin.
• Hard bumps on the skin.
• Swelling and skin discoloration.
• Wounds with a foul odor.
• Shallow, irregularly shaped sores.
• Dull aching pain.

Sometimes, diabetic wounds are painless due to nerve damage associated with diabetes.

What are the risk factors for diabetic wounds?

Diabetic wounds typically result from poorly managed diabetes. Additional risk factors include:

• Lack of exercise.
• Poor nutritional habits.
• Obesity.
• Not taking diabetes medications as prescribed.
• Nerve damage caused by diabetes.

Nerve damage can make it harder to detect wounds early, increasing the risk of complications.

How does my provider diagnose a diabetic wound?

Diagnosing a diabetic wound and its underlying causes involves:

• A discussion about your symptoms and medical history.
• A vital signs check and physical exam.
• Examination of your feet and legs.
• Diagnostic procedures such as a biopsy or imaging tests to assess the wound and its severity.

How are diabetic wounds treated?

At Texas Cardiac and Vascular Specialists, diabetic wound treatment may include:

• Healthy lifestyle changes.
• Oral or topical medications.
• Skin grafting to promote healing.
• Debridement to remove dead tissue.
• Offloading to reduce pressure on your feet.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to improve tissue oxygenation.
• Wet or dry dressings to protect wounds.
• Specialized shoes to reduce friction and pressure.
• Referrals to specialists for severe infections or conditions requiring amputation.