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Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers

What Can I Do to Prevent My Wound From Coming Back?

Apligraf has been medically proven to help heal ulcers. However, you should take some extra steps to reduce the chance of developing another foot ulcer. Experts in diabetes and footcare suggest the following guidelines to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers from returning.

It is Important to Always:

Control your diabetes

• Take appropriate action to control your blood sugar

Once Your Ulcer Has Healed:

Inspect your feet and toes daily

• Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, bruises, red spots, sores, swelling, or other changes that may be less obvious.
• If you cannot check your feet on your own, ask someone to help you or use a mirror.
• Inform your doctor immediately if you see any changes or injuries.

See your Podiatrist

• Have your podiatrist or other healthcare professional trim your toenails straight across and file the edges

Wash your feet daily

• Using mild soap and lukewarm water, wash your feet in the mornings or before bed each evening.
• Dry carefully with a soft towel, especially between the toes.
• If your skin is dry, use a good moisturizing cream daily.

Never go barefoot

• Always wear shoes when walking.
• Barefoot walking outside is particularly dangerous because of the possibility of cuts, and other foot injuries.
• When at home wear slippers.

Wear thick, soft socks

• Socks made of an acrylic blend are the best.
• Avoid mended socks or ones with seams, which could rub to cause blisters or other skin injuries.

Check your shoes

• Before putting your shoes on, feel inside for pebbles or other small hard objects.

Don't wear high heels, sandals, or shoes with pointed toes

• Because these shoes can put pressure on parts of your foot and increase the possibility of developing an injury which can lead to a diabetic foot ulcer.
• Also avoid open toe shoes and sandals.

Lose weight

• People with diabetes are commonly overweight. This can nearly double the risk of disease related complications.

Give up smoking

• Tobacco can contribute to circulatory problems.

Exercise

• Talk to your doctor before you begin any fitness program.
• Walking is an excellent form of exercise, it helps keep weight down and improves circulation.
• Be sure to wear the appropriate athletic shoe when exercising. Ask your podiatrist what shoe is best for you.

Be properly measured and fitted every time you buy new shoes

• Properly fitted shoes are very important to people with diabetes.
• You should have your feet measured by an experienced shoe fitter whenever purchasing a new pair of shoes.
• New shoes should be comfortable at the time you purchase them and should not require "breaking-in".

See your podiatrist for treatment of all calluses, corns, or warts

• Never try to cut calluses with a razor blade or any other instrument that may cause a wound.
• Avoid over-the-counter wart or corn removal products, they can burn the skin and cause a wound.