Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Achieve the quality of life you deserve through advanced diabetic foot ulcer care
Diabetic Foot Ulcer Services Offered In Lenoir City, TN
Diabetes is the leading cause of nontraumatic lower extremity amputations in the United States. Approximately 14 to 24% of patients with diabetes who develop a foot ulcer eventually have an amputation. Our primary goal at Limb Preservation Center of East Tennessee is to promote healing while preventing the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers. Ultimately we work together with you towards amputation prevention through advanced wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy practices.
FAQ: Diabetic Foot Ulcers
What are diabetic foot ulcers?
Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds that usually appear on the feet. Far from ordinary wounds, diabetic ulcers heal very slowly, or not at all. If left untreated, the open sores often lead to infection, difficulty walking, and even foot or limb amputation.
What causes diabetic foot ulcers?
Diabetic foot ulcers develop because of several common issues in people with diabetes, including:
Peripheral Neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy refers to nerve damage caused by high blood sugar. One of the main symptoms is numbness.
This can cause you to miss damage on your foot, like a cut or callus. Without treatment, a small wound can easily become a large wound.
Reduced Circulation: Many people with diabetes experience atherosclerosis: plaque buildup that narrows arteries. This significantly reduces the volume of blood your arteries deliver throughout your body, particularly to remote areas like the feet.
A good blood supply is the most important thing for healing, as blood is rich in oxygen and nutrients. With a limited blood supply, your body simply can’t heal wounds.
The combination of peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation can lead to severe diabetic foot ulcers, particularly in people with uncontrolled high blood sugar.
How are diabetic foot ulcers treated?
Limb Preservation Center of East Tennessee offers comprehensive care for diabetic foot ulcers in one place. Treatment usually involves a combination approach that’s uniquely attuned to your needs. Some common treatments for diabetic foot ulcers are:
- Topical products: antibiotics or other topical gels, creams, or solutions
- Wound debridement: removal of dead and infected skin (surgical or nonsurgical)
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: applying pure pressurized oxygen to your wound
- Offloading: relieving pressure from the wound with orthotics, a brace, or other means
- Negative pressure therapy: removing extra fluid from the wound using controlled suction
Other treatments exist as well, so the team has many options available to tailor your care. The central goal is preventing diabetic foot ulcers from worsening. The earlier you start treating a diabetic foot ulcer, the better the chances for complete healing.
Our team has extensive specialized experience preventing limb loss, and we successfully treat all stages of diabetic foot ulcers every day. Ready to start your recovery journey and return to an active life? Call our office or book your first visit online today.
Services
Chronic Wound Evaluation & Treatment
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Non-Healing Surgical Wounds
Radiation Injuries
Wound Care
Wound Debridement
Patient Testimonials
Schedule Your Appointment
You deserve compassionate care for your diabetic foot ulcers. Book an appointment online or call our office to start healing today.