7 Tips for Ulcer Prevention
At Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center, we advise all patients, especially those with particular health issues, to take the following steps to prevent foot ulcers from occurring.
- Manage your health conditions. By following the recommended medication, insulin, and dietary guidelines established by your provider, people with diabetes and other illnesses can reduce their risk of developing foot and ankle ulcers. If you’re able to control your diabetes without taking insulin, you further decrease the potential for foot problems. If you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, recognize that these conditions contribute to poor circulation, which undermines healing, so following a proactive care plan is critical.
- Examine your feet daily. A small injury can become dangerous in a matter of hours or a couple of days, so inspect their feet every day for signs of trouble, especially if they have one of the above diseases. Pay special attention to the area between the toes when washing, drying, and checking the feet. Also, apply lotion daily to prevent cracks and irritation—just avoid putting a lot of it between your toes.
- Hydrate and exercise. Drink plenty of water every day to help boost circulation throughout the body. Frequent movement increases blood flow, too, and helps you maintain better health overall.
- Trim toenails correctly. This means straight across, and not too short.
- Avoid nicotine and alcohol. These substances make it more difficult for your body to heal from injuries.
- Select footwear carefully. You should be able to wiggle your toes easily inside your shoes, and there shouldn’t be any pressure points, pinching, or rubbing. People with diabetes might look for footwear designed especially for their needs. Custom orthotics may further reduce the risk of issues. And while many people enjoy going barefoot, it’s better to wear shoes or hard-soled slippers for stability and protection to avoid injury.
- Maintain regular medical visits. Anyone with a medical condition that places them at high risk for foot and ankle ulcers should routinely see their podiatrists and other specialists to monitor for concerns.
Foot Wound Home Treatment Options for Good Foot Health
If you notice you have a foot or ankle injury, complete the following steps to begin addressing the problem:
- Wash the foot with mild soap and water and clean the wound with saline solution.
- Thoroughly dry the foot, including the area between the toes.
- Apply an antiseptic recommended by your podiatrist (never peroxide or alcohol).
- Wrap with a bandage and change dressings regularly.
- Keep the foot elevated.
If the injury won’t stop bleeding, looks infected, was caused by a human or animal bite, is deep, or isn’t healing, immediately make an appointment with our center.
Professional Foot Wound Treatment at Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center
Our Chesapeake Amputation Prevention Center is staffed by foot wound care medical professionals who’ll create customized treatment plans tailored to your needs. After a thorough exam and diagnosis, we’ll offer various interventions such as:
- Topical creams
- Antibiotics
- Anti-clotting medications
- Compression
- Draining
- Orthotics
- Special footgear
- Prosthetics
- Using crutches, a scooter, or a wheelchair to reduce weight on the area
- Amniotic tissue grafts
- Dressings
- Moist
- Alginate
- Collagen wound
- Antimicrobial
- Composite
- Debridement
- Regenerative therapies
- Synthetic skin substitutes
