Why Do My Feet Tingle, Feel Numb, or Are Cold All the Time?
Tingling or numbness in your feet could be a sign of poor circulation or nerve damage. Here, we explain what could be causing it and offer guidance on finding relief.
Why Wound Care Is So Important for Diabetics
Diabetic foot ulcers are the underlying cause in around 60% of lower limb amputations, so if you have diabetes, caring for your body goes far beyond just checking your blood sugar.
One of the main risks many people don’t know about is how even a small cut or sore — especially on your feet — can turn into a serious problem. That’s why proper wound care is crucial for individuals with diabetes.
At Vascular Surgery Associates, we help patients understand the unique challenges diabetes brings to wound healing. With the proper care and attention, we can prevent infections, avoid complications, and help you maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
How diabetes affects wound healing
Diabetes affects your body in many ways, including how well it heals after injury. Problems diabetes can cause include the following:
Nerve damage
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy occurs when high blood sugar damages the nerves. It can cause pain and tingling but may also numb the affected area. Consequently, you may not feel a cut or blister forming, especially on your feet.
Reduced blood flow
High blood sugar also injures your blood vessels. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients that your body needs to function and heal; with poor circulation, wounds heal slower.
Weakened immune system
When you have diabetes, your body has a harder time fighting off infections, making wounds more likely to worsen. Even a small scratch or sore can quickly develop into a larger ulcer if you don’t notice it or treat it promptly.
Without treatment, an ulcer can spread infection into deeper tissue or bone. In severe cases, badly infected ulcers may lead to hospitalization, surgery, or (as a last resort) amputation.
Why wound care is so important
Proper wound care helps prevent minor issues from developing into more serious problems. For people with diabetes, early treatment can:
- Speed up healing
- Reduce the risk of infection
- Lower the chance of needing surgery
- Prevent long-term complications like gangrene or amputation
At Vascular Surgery Associates, we specialize in helping wounds heal by improving blood flow and treating infections promptly. Our team includes vascular surgeons who can restore circulation and provide advanced care for chronic wounds.
Foot checks for diabetes
Because nerve damage may reduce your ability to feel pain, you might not notice a wound right away. That’s why daily foot checks are essential.
Look for:
- Redness or swelling
- Cuts, blisters, or sores
- Drainage or foul odor
- Areas of warmth or tenderness
- Changes in skin color, especially dark or black spots
If you see anything unusual — even if it doesn’t hurt — get it checked out right away.
Caring for minor wounds at home
If you have a minor wound, good at-home care can make a big difference. Follow these tips:
Clean gently
Wash the injury with mild soap and warm water. Avoid scrubbing or using harsh products.
Cover the wound
Use a clean, sterile dressing to protect the wound.
Keep pressure off
Avoid putting weight on the wound, especially if it’s on your foot.
Monitor for signs of infection
Watch for redness, pus, swelling, or fever
Never try to treat a deep wound, open sore, or infected area on your own. That’s when it’s time to call the professionals. Maintain the treatment plan we prescribe and attend all follow-up visits.
Professional wound care
At Vascular Surgery Associates, we provide expert care for nonhealing wounds and diabetic ulcers. Our services include:
- Wound cleaning
- Debridement (removing dead tissue to help the wound heal)
- Specialized wound dressings that promote healing and prevent infection
- Antibiotics or topical treatments, if needed
- Checking and improving blood flow to support healing
Advanced treatments include negative pressure wound therapy, skin grafting, skin substitutes, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
We also educate patients on foot care, proper footwear, and how to manage blood sugar levels to support healing.
Preventing diabetic wounds
The best way to avoid wound complications is to prevent wounds from happening in the first place. Here are some tips:
- Check your feet daily
- Wear clean, well-fitting shoes and socks
- Never walk barefoot
- Keep your skin moisturized, but avoid lotion between the toes
- Control your blood sugar
- Get regular checkups with your health care provider
At Vascular Surgery Associates, we help our diabetic patients stay ahead of problems through proactive care, education, and early intervention. Wounds may seem small, but for someone with diabetes, they can become life-altering if not treated quickly and adequately.
If you have diabetes and notice a sore, blister, or any sign of infection, don’t wait — contact Vascular Surgery Associates today by phone or online. Early wound treatment can make all the difference.
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