How to Become a Podiatrist: A Guide for Aspiring Professionals

Living with diabetes is tough, and foot health is one of the biggest challenges. One of the most serious complications of diabetes is getting ulcers on your feet. If not managed properly, these wounds can lead to infection and even amputation. In this post we’ll be tadlking about treatment of diabetic ulcers on feet, and the role of diabetic podiatrists and Charcot foot treatment.

Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that occur on the bottom of the foot. Over time high blood sugar in diabetics can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) which causes loss of foot sensation. This means you can’t feel the pain from a blister or a small wound and minor injuries can get worse. Diabetes also affects blood flow making it harder for these injuries to heal. If left untreated an open sore can get infected and is a serious health risk.

Keeping tabs on your feet is vital when you’ve got diabetes. Unlike a regular cut or scrape, diabetic foot ulcers often show up as stubborn wounds that just won’t heal. You might notice the skin around them turning red and puffy, sometimes with an unpleasant discharge if infection sets in. The tricky part? Many people with diabetes have lost some feeling in their feet, so they mightn’t feel any pain – even with a nasty ulcer. That’s why giving your feet a good look-over regularly is so important. Without those normal pain signals to warn you, a small problem can quickly become serious if you’re not keeping an eye out.

Treatment of diabetic ulcers on feet requires a holistic approach to healing and prevention of further complications:

1. Wound Care: Proper cleaning and debridement (removal of dead tissue) is important for healing. Regular dressing changes and good hygiene to avoid infection.
2. Offloading Pressure: Reducing pressure on the ulcer is important. This can be done by using special shoes, insoles or foot pads to take pressure off the affected area.
3. Antibiotics: If the ulcer is infected, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent the infection from spreading.
4. Blood Sugar Management: Managing blood sugar is important for overall healing and prevention of further complications. Better diabetes management improves circulation and speeds up healing.
5. Surgical Intervention: In severe cases surgical treatment may be needed to remove infected tissue or to manage deep ulcers that won’t heal with other treatments.
6. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): This involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber to speed up wound healing by increasing oxygen supply to the tissues.
7. Diabetic Podiatrist: Consulting a diabetic podiatrist is important in managing and treating foot ulcers. These professionals specialise in foot conditions related to diabetes and can give you the right care and advice on preventing further problems.
8. Charcot Foot Treatment: Charcot foot is a complication of diabetes that causes joint damage and foot deformities. It can sometimes be mistaken for ulcers but requires a different treatment approach. If you have Charcot foot it’s important to see a podiatrist to manage the condition and prevent deformities that can lead to ulcers.

Prevention is always better than cure. Here’s what you can do:

• Daily Foot Inspections: Check your feet for cuts, blisters, redness or swelling. Early detection can prevent ulcers from developing.
• Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that fit well and avoid those that can cause blisters or pressure points.
• Moisturize: Dry skin can lead to wounds so make sure your feet are well moisturised.
• Manage Blood Sugar: Managing blood sugar is one of the best ways to prevent diabetic foot ulcers.
• Regular Podiatry Check-ups: Regular visits to a diabetic podiatrist can detect any problems early and prevent complications.

Treatment of diabetic ulcers on feet is important for overall foot health and prevention of severe complications. Wound care, offloading pressure, blood sugar control and regular check-ups with a diabetic podiatrist is important in managing foot ulcers. If you have Charcot foot see a podiatrist to prevent ulcers from developing.

If you have symptoms of diabetic foot ulcers don’t wait. Contact a diabetic podiatrist today to discuss treatment and how to look after your feet.