There are moments when thinking about a decision is worth the wait. There are other times when a delay can lead to damage. For podiatrists, we think about this often when it comes to a diabetic foot ulcer. An ulcer is a cut or a wound. In our case, we’re focusing on when they appear on the foot.

Dr. Anant Joshi at Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC works often with patients who have diabetes. This group is particularly at risk of developing an ulcer. High blood sugar levels are a top cause. Poor circulation is a cause, too. As part of the care team, a podiatrist checks a patient’s feet regularly and closely. The goal is to prevent ulcers and also detect early signs of infection. Complications from an untreated infection can lead to limb loss.

Instead of waiting, here are three things to do instead:

Start cleaning

Did you clean your wound? Taking care of this part is an essential part of wound care. Our number one priority is to help patients reduce the risk of developing an infection. Start with clean hands and clean your wound regularly. Don’t forget to change bandages daily and watch for signs of infection.

Stop walking barefoot

While caring for a wound, keep in mind that you want to stay comfortable. Walking barefoot only adds pressure to the wound. It can worsen your pain and the state of the cut. Instead, use crutches or consider a cane. Talk to your podiatrist about your options for custom orthotics, too.

Schedule an appointment

We don’t want you to do wound care alone. In fact, we hope you can join your care team. Allow us to check-in with you regularly and answer any questions about your daily foot checks. We will give you the tips you need to maintain care while at home. Our goal is to provide a good starting point for you and your wound.

Before you get overwhelmed about wound care, we want to encourage you. We’re the experts in this area, and we help with both prevention and treatment. We’re in this together.

At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, Dr. Anant Joshi treats a range of conditions, including Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, athlete’s foot, complications from diabetes, fractures, fungal toenails, and more. He also performs foot and ankle surgery. He is a board-certified podiatrist in Woodland Park, NJ. Contact the office at 973-256-0002.