Off-loading

An important step you should take is to "off-load." Off-loading is literally taking "a load off your feet."

Badly fitting shoes can put a lot of pressure on your foot that can lead to diabetic foot ulcers and the medical problems they can cause. To help take the pressure off your feet, your doctor may prescribe a special shoe, boot, or cast. This special footwear can help eliminate pressure on and around the diabetic foot ulcers as well as help protect the new tissue that is growing from being destroyed.

Control infection

Infection of a diabetic foot ulcer adds to the risk of it becoming a much more serious problem. If your diabetic foot ulcer is infected, you will need immediate and special medical attention. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or a silver-based dressing to put on the diabetic foot ulcer to help get rid of the infection and allow your diabetic foot ulcer to heal properly.

Debridement removes dead tissue

Most diabetic foot ulcers will need to have dead tissue removed before healing can happen. There are many methods for removing dead tissue. Sharp debridement is a common procedure in which your doctor uses a sharp instrument to remove the dead tissue from your diabetic foot ulcer. Sharp debridement is an accepted and proven way to get rid of dead tissue from a wound and to draw healthy blood to the diabetic foot ulcer; it is necessary for starting the healing process. If necessary, your doctor can you give you a numbing medicine (anesthetic) so that you will feel no pain. After sharp debridement, your diabetic foot ulcer may look bigger or even bleed. Don't be alarmed. The diabetic foot ulcer may look bigger, but it will be healthier because your doctor has cut away the dead tissue. You should have your ulcer debrided every 7 to 10 days until the wound is free of dead tissue. Your diabetic foot ulcer now has a better chance to heal.

Before debridement After debridement

Next: Talking to Your Doctor

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