Diabetic Ulcer

What Are Diabetic Ulcers?
Diabetic ulcers are slow-healing wounds that can lead to serious complications if not properly managed. At Profound Wound Specialists, our expert team of wound care professionals provides advanced, patient-centered treatment designed to address the underlying causes, relieve pain, reduce risks, and promote lasting healing. Using state-of-the-art wound care technology, we create personalized treatment plans that focus on both wound recovery and long-term wellness.

Causes of Diabetic Ulcers
Several factors increase the risk of developing diabetic ulcers. The most common include:

• Poor circulation and reduced blood flow
• Sedentary lifestyle or limited mobility
• Obesity and excess body weight
• High blood sugar and unmanaged diabetes
• Nutritional deficiencies and poor diet
• Nerve damage from prolonged high glucose levels
• Untreated cuts, blisters, or ingrown toenails
• Structural foot changes or deformities
• Smoking and tobacco use
• Hypertension and chronic inflammation
• Abnormal white blood cell counts

Can Diabetic Ulcers Be Treated at Home?
While some self-care can support healing, diabetic ulcers require professional management to avoid complications. A wound care specialist provides advanced treatments, ensures safe wound cleaning, and offers ongoing monitoring. Key home and medical management steps include:

• Consult a Specialist: Seek immediate care when an ulcer is detected to prevent progression.
• Clean the Wound Properly: Gently wash with mild soap and water; avoid harsh antiseptics.
• Apply Antibiotic Ointment: Use as directed by a physician to lower infection risk.
• Offload Pressure: Reduce weight-bearing activities on the affected foot using crutches, specialized shoes, or supportive devices.
• Moist Wound Healing: Keep ulcers covered with moist dressings to encourage faster healing and reduce scarring.
• Control Blood Sugar: Maintain stable glucose levels with proper diet, medication, and exercise.
• Avoid Self-Debridement: Only trained professionals should remove dead tissue or calluses.
• Attend Regular Checkups: Follow treatment plans and schedule consistent follow-ups.
• Adopt Healthy Habits: Quit smoking, wear protective footwear, and perform daily foot checks.

Preventing Diabetic Ulcers
Prevention is a vital part of diabetic foot care. Our team provides education and strategies to help patients avoid ulcer formation:

• Daily Foot Checks: Monitor for cuts, blisters, or redness.
• Proper Footwear: Use supportive, well-fitted shoes and avoid walking barefoot.
• Routine Foot Exams: Have professional foot checks at least once a year, or more if at higher risk.
• Good Foot Hygiene: Wash and moisturize daily, avoiding excess moisture between toes.
• Diabetes Management: Keep blood sugar under control to lower the risk of complications.

Diabetic Ulcer Treatment Services at Profound Wound Specialists

At Profound Wound Specialists, we offer skilled wound management in Los Angeles, California, providing comprehensive care to heal ulcers and support overall health. We combine advanced wound therapies with holistic management strategies to restore mobility, prevent recurrence, and enhance quality of life.

Our diabetic ulcer treatment services include:

• Complete wound assessment and diagnosis
• Evaluation of overall health, lifestyle, and risk factors
• Professional wound cleaning and debridement
• Pain management strategies
• Targeted antibiotic therapy to prevent infection
• Custom orthotic support for foot health
• Ongoing wound dressing and monitoring
• Patient education on diet, lifestyle, and preventive care

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)