How Do Diabetic Lower Extremity Wound Form? – Waco, Tx
Diabetic Lower Extremity Wound in Waco, Tx
Diabetic Lower Extremity Wound in Waco, Tx
Diabetic Lower Extremity wound: Diabetes affects the way the body produces or responds to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that allows the cells in the body to use glucose from the bloodstream for energy. The disruption in the way the body produces or responds to insulin makes it difficult for the body to manage blood glucose levels.
Permanent high blood glucose levels impair the function of white blood cells, which plays an important role in the immune system. When the white blood cells are not functioning properly, the body is unable to effectively fight bacteria, and heal and close up wounds.
Diabetes also affects blood circulation. When blood flow to the foot is limited, the skin on the foot starts to dry up. Over time, the skin may crack and open, forming a wound. Poor blood circulation to the foot also makes it difficult for the foot to receive nutrient-rich blood which makes it difficult for the wound to heal.
Causes of Diabetic Lower Extremity Wound
Causes of diabetic lower extremity wounds include:
1. Poor circulation
Poor blood flow to the feet is a common cause of diabetic lower extremity wounds. When blood flow to the foot is limited, the skin around the foot starts to dry up due to a lack of blood and fluids. Over time, the skin may crack open, and form a wound that is difficult to heal.
2. High blood sugar
Excess sugar levels in the blood can slow down the healing process of wounds. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes may develop lower extremity wounds that usually don’t heal on time or don’t heal at all.
3. Nerve damage
Nerve damage can cause a reduced sensation or complete loss of feeling in your foot. You may not feel pain even if you’re injured or have a wound on your foot. As a result, you may not be aware of an injury until it gets worse or infected.
Risk Factors for Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Every individual with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is at risk of developing diabetic lower extremity wounds. Certain factors can also increase the risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcers. These include:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Vascular disease
- Trauma
- Poor circulation in the feet
- Poor sensation or loss of sensation in the foot
- Poorly fitted shoes
- Poor hygiene of the feet
- Improper trimming of the toenails
- Diabetic-related eye disease
- Diabetic-related heart disease
- Diabetic-related kidney disease
- People who use insulin
- Older people
Symptoms of Diabetic Lower Extremity Wounds
Signs of foot ulcers are not always obvious at their early stages. Foot ulcers may not show symptoms and you may not be aware that you have a foot ulcer until the ulcer has become infected.
Signs and symptoms of diabetic lower extremity wound include:
- Drainage from the foot
- Unusual swelling of the foot
- Irritation
- Pain
- Loss of sensation (Neuropathy)
- Redness or skin discoloration
- Bad odors from the foot
- A black or dead tissue that appears around the wound
What are the stages of a Diabetic lower extremity wounds?
Stage 1
This is the earliest stage of diabetic lower extremity wounds. At this stage, the skin is not yet opened but may be painful. The skin appears reddened and hard to touch. The skin temperature of the affected area is often warmer than in other areas.
When you apply pressure with your hand, the affected area can feel either firmer or softer than other surrounding areas.
Stage 2
At this stage, the skin breaks open and forms a wound. The wound is usually tender and painful. The wound expands into the deeper layers of the skin. Some skin may be damaged beyond repair or may appear dry or dead.
Stage 3
At this stage, the wound gets worse and extends into the deep tissue beneath the skin. Fat may appear in the wound.
Stage 4
At this stage, the wound has gotten very worse and has reached deep into the muscle and bones. The wound may get infected and cause damage to the deeper tissues, tendons, and joints.
Diagnosis of Diabetic Lower Extremity Wound in Waco, Tx
During the diagnosis of a diabetic foot ulcer, your foot will be inspected for blisters, cuts, or scratches. The rate of blood flow in your foot will be evaluated. If a foot ulcer has already developed, the wound will be inspected for infection.
Treatment Methods of Diabetic Lower Extremity Wound in Waco, Tx
Treatment Methods of Diabetic Lower Extremity Wound in Waco, Tx
Timely treatment is crucial for diabetic foot ulcers. If a diabetic foot ulcer is not timely and properly treated, it can get worse and become infected. Infection may begin to spread to nearby bones and tissues, thereby causing the affected leg to be amputated.
Treatment is aimed at healing the wound on time to prevent the wound from getting infected. Treatment of diabetic foot ulcers follows specific steps. These include:
1. Debridement
If dead or dry tissue and dirt have covered the surface of the wound, the wound needs to be debrided. Debridement is the removal of foreign objects, including dead or dry tissue and dirt from the surface of the wound. Debridement allows the wound to be properly cleaned and helps the wound to heal.
2. Cleaning and applying medications
After dead tissue and dirt are removed from the surface of the wound, the wound will be properly cleaned by placing it under running water and gently pat dry.
A topical gel or antibiotic ointment medication will be applied to the wound to prevent bacterial infection and increase the healing of the wound.
3. Dressing
After the wound has been cleaned, it will then be dressed. Dressing the wound closes the wound and prevents dirt and bacteria from getting into it. The dressing allows the wound to drain out fluids and helps the wound heal faster. The dressing needs to be changed periodically as the foot heals.
4. Oral or intravenous antibiotics
Oral or intravenous antibiotics may be given to prevent and treat infections. Your doctor will let you know the appropriate antibiotics to use after evaluations and tests.
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