A diabetic foot ulcer is very serious complication of diabetes. It is when the skin breaks down in an area of excessive pressure. The wound has a great potential to become infected. Because of reduced circulation, a diabetic foot ulcer puts your foot and entire lower limb at risk for amputation. This is why a diabetic foot ulcer is an emergency that must be treated immediately.
An important element to heal your diabetic foot ulcer is to control the pressure that had caused the wound to form. After it is healed, it is critical to manage that pressure or the ulcer will reopen. In most cases, the pressure can be controlled with a diabetic shoe and appropriate custom insole to reduce the pressure beneath the foot. The use of a therapeutic shoe after a diabetic foot ulcer is healed is covered by Medicare and many private insurance plans.
In some cases, a diabetic shoe is not enough to adequately control the pressure that causes the diabetic foot ulcer to return. In these cases, such as a Charcot foot or a very flat foot, an ankle-foot orthotic (AFO) can provide more comprehensive control of the pressures and more completely prevent the wound from reopening.
If you have a diabetic foot ulcer, it is to not wait any longer to seek attention. Call Houston podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider for an immediate appointment. Once healed, we will do what is necessary to make sure the wound does not reopen.
