Diabetic Wound Care

WHAT IS A DIABETIC FOOT WOUND OR DIABETIC ULCER?

DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS (DFU)

Dr Caputo and Dr. DeLorenzo are specialists in Diabetic Foot Care.  A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes and is commonly located on the bottom of the foot. Of those who develop a foot ulcer, 6 percent will be hospitalized due to infection or other ulcer-related complication.  Holmdel Wound Care Center is located here at Caputo Foot and Ankle Center (719 N. Beers St., Suite 2A, Holmdel, NJ; across from Bayshore Medical Center)  where we aim to reduce that number of hospitalizations by early detection and successful treatment.

Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations in the United States, and approximately 14-24 percent of patients with diabetes who develop a foot ulcer will require an amputation. Foot ulceration precedes 85 percent of diabetes-related amputations. Research has shown, however, that development of a foot ulcer is preventable.

For more information on wound care, see the APMA website.

WHAT CAUSES A DIABETIC FOOT WOUND OR DIABETIC ULCER?

There are multiple factors that can lead to the formation of a Diabetic Foot Ulcer.

• Circulation:
  • Reduced blood flow to the foot is known as PVD or Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).  We have Dopplers for thorough initial assessment and use Non-Invasive Vascular Lab technicians in the convenience of our office for further evaluation.
  • Smoking or excessive alcohol and tobacco use inhibits circulation.
  • High Glucose levels have a negative effect on artery walls. The deterioration of the arterial walls leads to excessive plaque buildup reducing the amount of blood that can reach a diabetic foot.
• Peripheral Neuropathy:
  • Neuropathy effects nerve endings and healing.  Symptoms start as tingling or numbness in the foot.  
  • Also, Neuropathy leads to thicker calluses which can become ulcerated ad infected if left untreated. We specialize in treating that.
• Foot deformity:  Bunions, hammertoes and fallen arches rub against poor fitting shoes and can cause blister that can get ulcerated and infected. We have digital X-Rays on premises to immediately evaluate bunion, hammertoe and arch deformities.

 

 OUR BOARD-CERTIFIED PODIATRISTS TREAT  DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS

There are several key factors in the appropriate treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer:

• Treat the foot infection.  The doctors here at Caputo Foot and Ankle Center prescribe antibiotics when needed, and take wound cultures to check for Staph or MRSA infections.
• Taking the pressure off the area, called “off-loading” 
• Removing dead skin and tissue, called “debridement”, and applying medication or     
• We work with your Endocrinologist or PCP in a team approach to manage blood glucose and other health problems.
• Avoid walking barefoot.
• Therapeutic depth Diabetic shoes with Plastazote inserts are usually covered by Insurance including Medicare.