What are diabetic foot wounds?

Diabetic foot wounds are cuts, scrapes, or sores that occur on the feet of people who have diabetes. Although they may seem inconsequential, even small wounds are a cause for concern. This is because people with diabetes are less likely to feel the wound due to nerve damage in the feet, delaying treatment until the wound has progressed. Poor circulation to the feet can also make the wounds heal slowly, increasing the risk of infection. Left untreated, wounds can turn into diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

Why do diabetic wounds heal slowly?

Diabetic wounds tend to heal slowly because many people with diabetes also have poor circulation in their lower limbs. When there is inadequate blood flow to the feet and ankles, the nutrients needed for efficient, effective healing cannot get to the wounds quickly enough. When the wounds heal slowly and poorly, the chances of further damage to the surrounding skin and infection go up.

What should I do if I notice a diabetic foot wound?

If you are diabetic and notice a wound on your foot, you should seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible. The earlier treatment begins, the better your chances are of avoiding complications.

How are diabetic foot wounds treated?

Treatments for diabetic foot wounds vary depending on the location and severity of the wound. Generally, your podiatrist will focus on disinfecting the wound, removing any dead tissue, and creating an environment on the foot that is conducive to healing. You will likely need to keep any pressure off of the wound while it heals. This can be achieved through resting the affected foot, padding it, wearing orthotics, or using devices designed to off-load pressure.

How can I prevent diabetic foot wounds?

The best way to prevent diabetic foot wounds is to remain proactive. When walking inside or outside the home, wear shoes to protect your feet from injuries. Maintain proper foot hygiene to reduce the risk of infections. Since loss of sensation through diabetic neuropathy is also common among people with diabetes, daily visual inspection of the feet for any cuts, scrapes, sores, wounds, or discoloration is also suggested. If you notice any changes in your feet, you should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Foot & Ankle Wound Care in New Orleans, Metairie & Slidell, LA

Expert Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment in Orleans, Jefferson & St. Bernard Parishes

Diabetic Ulcers Treatment in the Orleans County, LA: New Orleans, St. Bernard County: Chalmette, Plaquemines Parish: Bella Chasse and Jefferson County: Metairie, Kenner, Harvey, Terrytown, Gretna, Woodmere, Waggaman, Timberlane, Harahan areas

If you have diabetes or circulation problems, proper wound care is vital to protect your feet and overall health. At LaFeet Foot & Ankle Clinic, our podiatrists provide advanced foot and ankle wound care for patients in New Orleans, Metairie, Slidell, and the surrounding areas. We specialize in treating diabetic foot ulcers, non-healing wounds, and infection prevention to help you stay mobile and avoid serious complications.

Why Prompt Wound Care Is Critical for Diabetic Patients

People with diabetes often experience neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that causes loss of sensation in the feet. When you can’t feel pain, even a small cut, blister, or sore can go unnoticed and worsen over time.

Combined with circulation issues, neuropathy can lead to slow-healing or non-healing wounds (ulcers). If left untreated, these wounds may become infected, cause gangrene, and—in severe cases—require amputation. That’s why early podiatric care is essential.

Common Causes of Diabetic Foot Wounds

Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes
Getting a small object (like a pebble) trapped in your shoe
Friction from walking or running
Ignoring a blister, callus, or small sore

Even minor foot injuries can worsen quickly if not treated properly. If you notice any wound, avoid putting pressure on the area and contact a podiatrist as soon as possible.

How to Care for Minor Foot Wounds at Home

Rinse the wound gently with running water to remove dirt.
Avoid using hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or alcohol—they can irritate tissue.
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with a clean bandage.
Change the bandage daily and keep the area dry.
Wash the surrounding skin with mild soap and water.

If your wound doesn’t begin to heal within a few days—or you have diabetes— schedule a professional evaluation immediately.

Preventing Foot Wounds in Diabetic Patients

Prevention is the best defense against serious wound complications. We recommend:

Checking your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or color changes
Washing and drying your feet carefully each day
Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes with enough toe room
Trimming toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails
Using a mirror or asking for help to inspect hard-to-see areas
Reporting any redness, swelling, or sores to a podiatrist right away

Keeping your blood sugar levels stable is also key to improving circulation and promoting healing.

When Foot Wounds Don’t Heal

A wound that doesn’t heal within a few weeks may develop into a foot ulcer. These ulcers can become infected and spread to deeper tissues or bone (osteomyelitis). In severe cases, gangrene can occur, requiring surgical removal of dead tissue (debridement) to save surrounding tissue.

Early diagnosis and treatment dramatically reduce the risk of amputation. Our podiatrists specialize in early detection, wound management, and limb preservation.

Advanced Wound Care at LaFeet Foot & Ankle Clinic

Our team provides individualized wound care plans that may include:

Debridement (removal of dead tissue)
Infection control & antibiotic therapy
Offloading techniques to relieve pressure
Specialized dressings and grafts
Circulation improvement strategies

We work closely with diabetic care teams and vascular specialists to promote fast, safe healing.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Don’t wait for a small wound to become a serious problem. Contact LaFeet Foot & Ankle Clinic for expert foot and ankle wound care in New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell, LA.

📞 Call [(504) 888-3668] or Request an Appointment Online to protect your feet and stay healthy.

Wound Care