A quick bump, scratch or scrape is a normal part of life – even well after our playground and tree-climbing days are behind us. But for a diabetic, these small wounds can take days, months or even years to finally heal due to damage to the circulatory and nervous systems. If left untreated, these diabetic wounds can escalate into an urgent situation. Two keys to avoid serious complications: prevention and proactivity.
Atlanta Medical Clinic is a patient-focused medical center that provides world-class diabetic wound care and wound care treatments for those in need. All of our services are covered by insurance and we work directly with the patients to ensure they comply with the necessary follow up treatments so that our patients’ wounds can heal safely. Here are 5 critically important things that diabetics need to know about wound care.
Don’t Ignore Symptoms
Ignorance is not bliss in the case of diabetic wounds. Don’t ignore any wounds. The longer you wait, the chances of healing decrease. In the worst cases, an ignored wound can get infected leading to amputated toe, foot or leg. 85% of amputations are a result of a diabetic foot ulcer. Don’t be a statistic – with proper wound care you can prevent complications.
Daily Checks
To nip potential issues in the bud, daily foot checks are an essential habit. Look for swelling, redness, blisters, cuts or nail issues. To thoroughly inspect, a magnifying glass or mirror can help. Contact a health professional as soon as you notice something, even if it seems minor.
Practice Proper Foot Care
Some small daily reminders to keep your feet in top shape:
- Keep feet warm and dry
- Never walk barefoot
- Gently bathe your feet daily in lukewarm water
- Check your shoes before putting them on for any small objects or pebbles
Choose the Right Socks
Don’t wear any old socks – the right socks can do wonders for diabetics. Choose a pair that is specially made for diabetes – these keep the feet dry, reduce risk of injury and improve circulation. There’s a diabetic sock for any budget, from just a few dollars to over a hundred dollars, depending on the technology. No matter which pair you buy, be sure to choose a moisture-wicking pair, as dry feet as less likely to get infected.
New Treatments are Available
Even with careful care, diabetic wounds occasionally develop. Luckily, there are new treatments available to help heal the area. Atlanta Medical Clinic has partnered with Organogenesis, a leader in non-surgical medicine that has developed the first-ever FDA-approved bio-engineered skin grafts. This innovative solution treats non-healing diabetic wounds and venous leg ulcers by applying grafts to the affected area. Patients can expect to see successful results in 12 weeks, depending on the size and severity of the diabetic wound.
At Atlanta Medical Clinic, we understand the symptoms and challenges of diabetes on a personal level. Dr. Timothy Dembowski, clinic director, chooses to pursue this treatment option for his patients because of his father, who experienced diabetes. His combined compassion and expertise of the issue have allowed him to help diabetics all over the Atlanta area.
If you are experiencing wounds, tingling of feet or have diabetes, contact Atlanta Medical Clinic to book a consultation and determine the best treatment option for you. Our wound care clinic in Atlanta