By By Lindsey Craun, Clinical Trials of Texas
SAN ANTONIO - Diabetic foot ulcers are one of many potential complications caused by diabetes. Luckily, diabetics can take preventative measures to avoid developing ulcers, but first they must understand its cause.
CausesFoot ulcers form as a result of neuropathic and vascular complications associated with diabetes. Many diabetics experience nerve damage that leads to peripheral neuropathy, or loss of feeling in the extremities. Any injury such as a cut, bruise, blister or ulcer may go unnoticed. Diabetics also may experience narrowed arteries, which slows down or blocks circulation in the foot often leading to ulceration.
Signs and SymptomsBecause these ulcers often go unnoticed it is very important that diabetics know the symptoms to look for. Warning signs include pain, difficulty walking, foot discoloration, cold feet, swollen foot or ankle, sores, blisters or ulcers on the foot or lower leg. Diabetics experiencing any of these symptoms should consult a doctor.
ManagementEvaluation of the patient’s vascular and neurological status must be performed to assess how to treat each case. Treatment is also determined by severity and presence of infection, but regardless the main goal is to close the wound. Patients are encouraged to rest, elevate and relieve the foot of pressure through use of
post-operative footwear, crutches or a wheel chair. Physicians typically focus on removing all affected tissue (debridement) and cleansing the area to prevent infection. If an ulcer does become infected, more extensive treatment is required.
Do you suffer from a diabetic foot ulcer?If so, you might be eligible to participate in a research study at Clinical Trials of Texas, Inc. If you have diabetes and think you might have a foot ulcer, you’re invited to a free screening with a board-certified physician, who will further assess the wound. For more information please visit
www.SAresearch.com, or call (210) 949-0122.
