If you suffer from diabetic foot ulcers, finding the right treatment is crucial. You must also pay close attention to the health of your feet, as improper wound healing may lead to serious complications and even amputation in the worst-case scenario. While properly managing diabetes is an important step, the following will also help you keep foot and leg ulcers from becoming severe.

How to Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers

1. Keep Your Feet Moisturized

Diabetic neuropathy causes numbness in the legs and feet. It can also cause dry skin, which over time will become cracked and calloused. Properly moisturizing your feet every day is one way to prevent cracking, which allows potentially harmful germs from entering your body. Remember to remove all excess lotion or ointment before putting on shoes, as too much moisture facilitates the growth of fungus.

2. Visually Inspect Your Feet Daily

While moisturizing, take some time to look at your feet. Note any new diabetic foot ulcers and assess the rate of healing for pre-existing wounds or cuts. If you have mobility issues, enlist a loved one or use a mirror to check out the undersides of your feet. If you notice a wound is taking longer to heal than normal, visit your doctor right away.

3. Wear Comfortable Shoes

For people with diabetes, blisters on the feet are a far more serious issue. You can prevent blisters by selecting shoes that offer the best fit. Look for shoes with ample cushioning that are neither too big or too small. Shoes that are too small will put pressure on the feet, while those that are too big can slide around and cause friction.

If you need treatment for a diabetic foot ulcer, Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments of Manhattan offers two innovative choices. Apligraf® works by applying tissues containing proteins, collagens, and living skin cells, all of which facilitate a faster healing process for those with circulations issues. There is also the Oasis Matrix®, which utilizes biological materials sourced from porcine intestinal tracks. This material serves as an organic bandage and can be left in place until the wound or ulcer heals. This clinic also treats many other conditions, including vein care, laser treatments, and cosmetic procedures like liposuction. Visit them online to access frequently asked questions about procedures. You can also call 888.356.VEIN (8346) to schedule an appointment at this New York clinic.