DIABETIC WOUND CARE SERVICES SERVING IN MILL SQUARE, SAN MATEO, HILLSBOROUGH, CA, AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS

Diabetes increases your risk of many complex health concerns, including foot wounds and ulcers. With extensive experience in diabetic wound care, experienced podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Gilbert Huang, DPM, works with you to protect your feet and prevent complications from diabetes at West America Foot and Ankle in San Mateo, California. Call the podiatry clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

Diabetic Wound Care Q&A

What is diabetic wound care?

Diabetic wound care refers to the steps you and Dr. Huang take to treat and prevent sores, cuts, and abrasions. If you have diabetes, proper wound care is essential.

Diabetes is the result of high levels of sugar in the blood. It means your body doesn’t produce insulin or use it efficiently. This hormone is responsible for allowing your cells to use sugar for energy. Without healthy insulin levels, sugar accumulates in the blood and damages your blood vessels.

As diabetes progresses, it begins to weaken the blood vessels and nerves in your feet. This damage leads to poor circulation, which slows wound healing. It can also interfere with sensations like pain, so you may not be aware you have a diabetic wound until it evolves into an open ulcer or infected cut.

Diabetic wound care can help protect your feet and prevent complications like necrosis (tissue death) or amputation.

Why would I need diabetic wound care?

Dr. Huang encourages all patients with diabetes to practice diabetic wound care and visit West America Foot and Ankle for professional intervention when necessary. Individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk of many foot and ankle disorders, including:

Diabetic foot ulcers

An ulcer is a slow-healing or non-healing foot wound that is at risk of infection. Treating the wound is critical to promote healing and preserve your foot health.

Corns and calluses

Corns and calluses are hardened areas of skin that thicken to protect areas of friction. Without treatment, these lesions can tear the skin and become infected.

Blisters

Blisters are fluid-filled sacs of skin that develop in areas of friction. A ruptured blister can evolve into an ulcer and increase your risk of pain and infection.

Are there different types of diabetic wound care?

Dr. Huang practices multiple types of diabetic wound care at West America Foot and Ankle, including:

Debridement

Debridement involves removing necrotic (dead) tissue to accelerate healing and close open ulcers.

Offloading

Pressure on your feet can impede healthy blood circulation if you have diabetes. Offloading involves removing pressure from your feet to promote circulation.