How your podiatrist in Fort Walton and Crestview, FL, can treat diabetic wounds
If you have diabetes, your body can suffer, especially your feet. Diabetes has a dramatic effect on your body’s major systems, including your nervous, circulatory, and immune systems. That means if you have a small cut or blister, it may develop into a painful diabetic wound. Fortunately, your podiatrist can help.
Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel at Emerald coast Podiatry provides comprehensive foot and ankle services, including treatment of diabetic wounds. He has two convenient office locations in Fort Walton and Crestview, FL, to help you.
There are some steps you can take to help prevent diabetic wounds on your feet. You need to:
- Wash your feet with warm water and gentle soap and apply moisturizer daily
- Trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails
- Examine your feet daily for cuts, blisters, and other foot issues
- Apply antibiotic cream and bandage foot injuries
- Avoid walking barefoot to prevent foot injuries
- Wear comfortable, appropriate shoes for the activity you are doing
If you develop a diabetic wound on your foot, you should visit your podiatrist. For minor diabetic wounds, your podiatrist can help by:
- Gently removing dead skin or tissue to clean the wound
- Applying topical antibiotic medications to prevent infection
- Bandaging the wound to aid healing
- Providing orthotics or assistive devices to help you walk
For larger diabetic wounds, your podiatrist can help by:
- Prescribing oral antibiotics if you have an infection
- Applying prescription topical antibiotics
- Bandaging the wound to aid healing
- Providing orthotics, footwear, or assistive devices to help you walk
In some cases, surgery may be indicated. Possible surgical options include removing or shaving bone to reduce pressure, or correcting bone deformities in your feet.
To learn more about diabetic wound care and how your podiatrist can treat diabetic wounds, call Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel at Emerald coast Podiatry. Call Emerald Coast Podiatry at the Fort Walton office at (850) 862-4119 or the Crestview office at (850) 682-6522.