A diabetic foot ulcer is nothing to take lightly. When you develop an ulcer or wound, it means an area of skin has broken down, exposing the tissue underneath. In a non-diabetic individual, such foot sores can heal with no problem. Diabetics, however, often have problems with circulation in their lower limbs. When there’s not enough blood flowing down to your feet, ulcers don’t always heal easily.

If not treated properly, a foot ulcer can very quickly get deeper or become infected. The risk of foot amputation is huge. Dr. Chanda L. Day-Houts and Dr. Heidi M. Christie of Montgomery Foot Care Specialists encourage all diabetics in the Montgomery County/river region area to take foot ulcers quite seriously.

Take an active approach to manage your diabetic foot ulcer with these eight steps:

1. If you injure your foot, make an appointment with our expert podiatrists as soon as possible. We’ll make a plan to try to stop the progression of the wound. Stick to the plan.
2. Know the danger signs of a worsening diabetic foot ulcer. These include red or warm spots on your foot, fever, an odor, pain, and throbbing.
3. Faithfully take any antibiotics we prescribe for you.
4. We may ask you to wear a special shoe, cast, walking boot, or orthotic inserts. We may advise you to use a walking aid such as a cane or crutches until the wound heals. All of these aids are designed to take the pressure off the affected area.
5. Taking the pressure off the affected foot means that you may be putting extra pressure on the opposite foot. Carefully monitor your “good” foot for signs of a new ulcer.
6. Continue to check both feet at least once per day.
7. Rest the affected foot – a wound can’t heal if it’s constantly under pressure. Ask us about ways to modify your exercise so that you don’t make a wound worse.

Never treat an ulcer yourself. Call our Montgomery office at (334) 396-3668 to see Dr. Christie or Dr. Day-Houts ASAP. Doing so could literally save a limb.