If you or a loved one has diabetes, even a small cut or blister can become a serious health concern. That is because people with diabetes are at higher risk of developing nerve and blood vessel damage in their feet, which can lead to slow-healing wounds, especially on the feet and lower legs. At Providence Medical Partners, we understand the importance of prompt and effective diabetic wound care to help reduce complications and restore quality of life.

Our team offers comprehensive diabetic wound care treatment tailored to each patient’s needs to help prevent infection, improve healing and reduce the risk of amputation. Whether you are dealing with a diabetic foot ulcer or looking for a long-term diabetic wound care management plan, we are here to support your healing journey every step of the way.

How Can a Diabetic Wound Heal Faster?

Healing a diabetic wound quickly requires proper care and ongoing medical supervision. Because of poor circulation and nerve damage caused by diabetes, wounds can heal more slowly and are more likely to become infected.

Here are steps that may help wounds heal faster, according to professionals:

• Keep the wound clean and covered. Regular cleaning and using the right diabetic wound care dressings can help protect the wound and encourage healing.
• Check blood sugar levels frequently. High blood sugar can interfere with the body’s ability to heal. Keeping levels in a healthy range is crucial.
• Avoid putting pressure on the wound. If the wound is on the foot, avoiding walking on it and using protective footwear can help.
• See a diabetic wound care doctor or podiatrist early. Getting timely diabetic wound care treatment can provide tailored treatment, including debridement, offloading and specialized dressings.

A common method used by diabetic wound care podiatrists to promote healing is debridement, which is the careful removal of dead or infected tissue from the wound. Debridement is essential because it clears away tissue that could harbor bacteria or slow healing. Debridement should always be done by a trained provider, such as a diabetic wound care podiatrist, to ensure the process is performed safely and effectively.

During debridement:

• The surrounding skin is disinfected and cleaned.
• A metal probe may be used to assess the depth of the wound and check for foreign material.
• Dead tissue is carefully removed, followed by thoroughly cleaning the area.
• Initially, the wound may appear larger or deeper. A healthy wound bed is typically red or pink, while pale or dark wounds are less likely to heal properly.

Other techniques that may be used to remove unhealthy tissue include:

• Whirlpool foot baths
• Irrigation using a syringe and catheter
• Wet-to-dry dressings that pull away dead tissue
• Enzyme-based treatments that dissolve necrotic tissue
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to boost oxygen supply and support diabetic wound healing

These interventions, guided by a podiatrist or diabetic wound care doctor, can significantly improve healing outcomes and reduce the risk of complications like infection or amputation.

How Diabetes Affects Wound Healing

Diabetes wound healing is often slower and more complex due to several factors linked to the disease itself. Anyone with diabetes can develop a foot ulcer, but the risk is especially high for Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, older male adults, people who use insulin and those with diabetes-related complications like kidney, eye or heart disease.

Ulcers typically develop as a result of a combination of issues, including:

• Neuropathy – Long-term diabetes can lead to nerve damage, reducing or completely eliminating the ability to feel pain in the feet. This condition often develops gradually and painlessly, so many individuals don’t even realize they’ve been injured. Without feeling, minor cuts or pressure sores may go unnoticed and untreated, leading to more serious diabetic wounds.
• Poor circulation – Vascular disease often accompanies diabetes, making it harder for the body to heal wounds by reducing blood flow to the affected area.
• Irritation or trauma – Foot deformities, pressure from ill-fitting shoes, or repetitive friction can trigger the formation of ulcers, especially when combined with sensory loss.
• High blood sugar – Elevated glucose levels weaken the body’s immune response, making it harder to fight off infections and slowing down the healing of diabetic wounds.

These factors can significantly delay diabetic wound healing, increasing the risk for serious complications like infection or amputation. A diabetic wound care podiatrist can perform a simple, painless test called a monofilament exam to detect neuropathy early and help prevent the progression of ulcers.

How To Care for a Diabetic Wound

Effective diabetes wound care begins with early intervention and consistent follow-up. Some of the best practices for caring for a wound at home and with your medical team include:

• Inspect feet daily. Look for cuts, blisters or redness, especially in areas that may rub against shoes.
• Clean wounds gently. Use mild soap and water. Avoid harsh antiseptics unless directed by a provider.
• Apply sterile dressing. Use appropriate diabetic wound dressing procedures to cover the wound and keep it moist.
• Monitor for infection. Watch for redness, swelling, foul odor or drainage and contact your diabetic wound care doctor immediately if symptoms worsen.
• Follow up with your provider. A podiatry or diabetic wound care clinic can help monitor healing and adjust your care plan as needed.

With medical guidance from a diabetic wound care podiatrist, patients can receive customized treatments, including comprehensive wound therapies, to promote healing and avoid complications.

Find a Podiatrist in El Paso

A small foot wound can become a serious health issue for people with diabetes. If you or someone you know is experiencing slow-healing wounds or signs of poor circulation, now is the time to consult a podiatrist at Providence Medical Partners for comprehensive diabetic wound care.

Our diabetic wound care providers have decades of combined experience addressing foot wounds and circulation problems, particularly among diabetic patients. From early intervention to comprehensive diabetic wound care treatment, we are here to support your healing journey with personalized, experienced care. Whether you need a preventive exam or ongoing diabetic foot ulcer management, we are here to help you take the next step toward recovery.

Healthcare is better together. Let us explore diabetic wound care management and treatment options. Call 877-849-0273 or connect with one of our podiatrists here. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or visit the nearest