Wound care clinicians often face challenges when it comes to determining the etiology of diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers. For example, when there is a wound on the foot, they go through a dilemma in finding out whether the wound is caused by pressure, diabetes mellitus (DM), ischemia, trauma, or a combination. If a patient is suffering from diabetes mellitus who is prone to develop a diabetic foot ulcer, may have something else. There is a great debate among wound care practitioners regarding DFUs and pressure injuries (PIs) on the feet of the patients in terms of their symptoms, causes, and treatment. The lack of etiology and increased confusion in differentiating between these two types of foot ulcers can cause errors in diagnosis, leading to financial burden & disrupted daily life to the patients.
In this blog, we are providing a clear understanding of how to differentiate between diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers Vs Pressure Injuries
Definitions:
1. Pressure Injuries – Pressure ulcers are also known as Bedsores and Decubitus Ulcers which are injuries to the skin or underlying tissues when a certain part of a body presses against a harder surface for a significant period, such as a chair or bed. The pressure reduces blood flow to that area, leading to tissue damages, and the formation of pressure ulcers.2. Diabetic Foot Ulcers – A diabetic foot ulcer is a type of sore that usually occurs on the foot of a person suffering from diabetes due to poor management of this condition. It can become gangrenous and lead to amputation of the limb if not treated on time.
Symptoms:
1. Pressure Injuries – Pressure ulcers can affect any part of the body but the most common parts are heels, elbows, hips, and base of the spine, etc. The patients may notice a reddish appearance on the affected skin which can be warm or different from normal. There can be pus draining and tender areas.2. Diabetic Foot Ulcer – Most people who develop diabetic foot ulcers have lost the ability to feel the pain but the pain is not the common symptom. The very first thing a patient may notice is the drainage on socks. Redness, irritation, and swelling may also occur with the development of ulcers. In addition to this, a black tissue surrounding the ulcer is the most visible sign of a severe foot ulcer. In case any symptom is visible, the patient needs to contact diabetic ulcer Ventura County.
Risk Factors:
1. Pressure Injuries – The risks of developing pressure ulcers are higher if the person has difficulties in moving due to poor health, spinal cord injury, or other causes. Additionally, extended exposure to the moist environment due to incontinence or lack of sensory perception are other risk factors for developing pressure ulcers.
2. Diabetic Foot Ulcer – Since diabetic persons are more prone to develop DFUs. But there are some contributory factors also including wearing tight shoes, improperly maintained toenails, poor hygiene, etc. Plus, if a person is alcoholic or suffering from other medical conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, etc.
Diagnosis
1. Pressure Injuries – To diagnose pressure ulcers, pressure ulcer treatment Los Angeles conducts a physical examination
2. Diabetic Foot Ulcers – While to diagnose a diabetic foot ulcer, a blood test is also required with the physical examination.
Treatment
1. Pressure Injuries – Treatment for pressure ulcers depends on their severity. The doctors may ask patients to move or regularly change their position to release pressure from the affected area and ensure sufficient blood flow. The use of dynamic mattresses and cushions will help provide sufficient airflow.
2. Diabetic Foot Ulcers – DFUs are treated with antibiotics and doctors may recommend wearing specially designed shoes for people with diabetes. A debridement procedure can be conducted to remove the dead tissues or foreign objects that are prone to develop an infection.
Both diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers are chronic, non-healing wounds that don’t follow the traditional approach of treatment. If patients notice any of the symptoms of these two-foot ulcers, they immediately need to contact Wound Care in Orange County. Keep in mind that in both types of ulcers, the wounds are required to be clean with dead tissue removal and prescribed antibiotics.
