Remember that your diabetic foot sore (or diabetic foot ulcer) will not heal overnight. But it is important that you do all you can to make sure your diabetic foot sore heals properly. That is because a diabetic foot sore that doesn’t heal can lead to further complications such as infection, hospitalization, or amputation.
Your first step in healing a diabetic foot sore is practicing good wound care. Partner with your doctor or wound care specialist to treat your diabetic foot sore in its early stages.
Good wound care involves:
Debridement
Your doctor will remove any dead tissue around the sore, because unhealthy tissue prevents healing.
Infection control
Antibiotics may be prescribed to help fight infection.
Off-loading
Pressure is taken off the sore with a special boot, crutches, cast, or therapeutic footwear to give the sore a chance to heal.
When good wound care isn’t enough
Even when you and your doctor properly care for a diabetic foot sore, it still may not heal. If your doctor is not happy with the healing of your wound, another treatment regimen will be considered. At this time, your doctor may prescribe treatment with REGRANEX gel.
Tips to stay on track
A diabetic foot sore does not heal overnight. That is why it is very important to stay on track with treatment.
Ask for help.
Decide who is going to apply REGRANEX gel to your sore (you or a home caregiver). Then, get everyone in your household on board with your treatment plan so they can remind you when it’s time to apply.
Set an alarm.
Your alarm clock can be a powerful reminder for when it’s time for dressing changes.
Make a note.
Write “REGRANEX gel pm/am” on a sticky note and attach it to your refrigerator.
Go high-tech.
If you have a cell phone, you can download an app and text messaging service to help you remember when to apply REGRANEX gel. Popular apps include MediSafe, RxmindMe™, and MedCoach™.
Use a calendar.
Keep track of your application schedule by marking the days you apply REGRANEX gel on a calendar. You can find one in the “Tools” section of this website.
All trademarks acknowledged.
Diabetes and foot wound problems
The effects of diabetes can slow wound healing anywhere on the body. Small cuts and blisters can easily develop into deep sores.
Learn about diabetic foot soresPreventing diabetic foot sores
Prevention is the key to keeping healthy feet and reducing the likelihood of diabetic foot ulcers.
Learn about prevention