Diabetic wound care

What a diabetic foot ulcer is

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound on the foot of someone with diabetes. It often shows up on the bottom of the foot, on a toe, or anywhere a shoe rubs. It can start small, like a blister, a crack in the skin, or a spot under a callus.

Why any sore on your foot matters

Diabetes can change your feet in ways you may not notice:

Less feeling. Nerve damage can make it hard to feel a cut, a blister, or a pebble in your shoe. A sore can grow before you know it is there.
Slower healing. Poor blood flow to the feet means sores can take much longer to heal.
Higher risk of infection. An infection in the foot can spread quickly and become serious.

That is why we ask people with diabetes to treat every foot sore as important, even one that does not hurt.

Signs of a serious infection

Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you have a sore on your foot and any of these:

Redness or swelling that is spreading.
Fever or chills.
Drainage that smells bad, or pus.
Skin that is turning dark, gray, or black.
You feel sick, confused, or very weak.

Do not wait for an office visit.

When to call our office

Call us promptly at (541) 385-7129 if you have diabetes and notice:

A sore, cut, or blister that is not getting better after a few days.
Fluid or blood on your sock.
New redness, warmth, or swelling on your foot.
A callus with a dark spot or blood under it.
A change in the color or shape of your foot.

Until you are seen, keep weight off the sore when you can and keep it clean and covered. Do not cut calluses, pop blisters, or treat the sore on your own.

What wound care visits involve

Every wound is different. In general, wound care visits may include:

Checking the wound. Your doctor looks at the sore, measures it, and checks for signs of infection.
Checking your feet. We test the feeling and blood flow in your feet, since both affect healing.
Cleaning the wound. Your doctor may gently remove dead or unhealthy tissue so healthy tissue can grow.
Dressing the wound. You will learn how to care for the dressing at home.
Taking pressure off the sore. This may mean special padding, a shoe, or a boot so the spot can heal.
Tests if needed. Your doctor may order an X-ray or lab tests to check for infection.

Most people with a wound come back on a regular schedule until it heals. Your doctor will tell you how often.

We work with your primary care doctor and other members of your care team to help your wound heal.

Helping prevent the next one

Once a wound heals, the goal is to keep a new one from starting. Simple daily habits help:

Look at your feet every day, including the bottoms and between the toes. Use a mirror or ask for help if you need it.
Wear shoes and socks, even at home.
Choose shoes that fit well and do not rub.
Work with your care team to keep your blood sugar in your target range.
Have your feet checked on a regular schedule.

Read more about diabetic foot care, including regular foot exams.

Questions people ask

How long does a foot wound take to heal?

It depends on the size of the wound, your blood flow, your blood sugar, and how well pressure is kept off the spot. Some heal in a few weeks. Others take longer. Coming to every visit and following your plan helps.

The sore does not hurt. Do I still need to come in?

Yes. With diabetes, a sore may not hurt because of nerve damage. No pain does not mean it is minor. Call us to have it checked.

Will I need antibiotics?

Only if your doctor finds signs of infection. Your doctor will decide what you need after looking at the wound.

Does insurance cover wound care?

Many plans cover care for diabetic foot wounds, but coverage varies. Call us at (541) 385-7129 and we can help you check.

See the insurance plans we accept.

Do I need a referral?

Some insurance plans need a referral and some do not. Check with your plan, or call us at (541) 385-7129 and we can help you find out.