Seven Tips for Preventing Foot Sores

People with diabetes are at risk for developing foot sores due to reduced circulation in their extremities. These ulcers are especially dangerous because diabetes can cause neuropathy, or nerve injury, in the feet due to lack of blood flow and high sugar levels. This may make it difficult for someone to sense pain in their feet and realize that they have a sore. Foot ulcers that go untreated can result in infection, gangrene or, in severe cases, amputation.

The best way to prevent wound complications is to prevent the wound in the first place. Below are seven tips for detecting and preventing these chronic wounds:

• Inspect your feet daily and wash them with a mild soap and water
• Dry your feet well; moisture retained between the toes can cause skin breakdowns
• Wear non-binding diabetic socks so as not to restrict blood flow to the feet
• Avoid smoking and alcohol, as these can further reduce blood circulation to the feet
• Exercise frequently to enhance blood flow to the extremities
• Manage your diabetes by controlling glucose and cholesterol levels
• Visit your doctor or a podiatrist at least once a year

In the event that you do develop diabetic foot ulcers and require treatment from one of BayCare’s wound care centers located throughout the Tampa Bay area, our multidisciplinary team of wound care experts will design a customized treatment plan to fit your needs. We offer everything from debridement and total contact casting to state-of-the-art hyperbaric therapy and bioengineered skin grafting. A physician’s referral is required for most services.

Assessing Your Risk for Diabetes

Learn more by browsing our online resources such as The Three Stages of Wound Healing and How Diabetes Affects Wound Healing.

Residents of Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Plant City, Palm Harbor or any of the surrounding areas can call (855) 546-6296 or find a doctor in your area. 

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