Diabetic Ulcers Treatment in Adelaide
A foot ulcer is an open wound. If you have diabetes and notice a new ulcer, blister, cut or unusual redness or swelling, seek medical advice that day. Reduced sensation can mean a serious wound is not painful.
Go to an emergency department if a foot wound is rapidly worsening, redness is spreading, or you feel feverish or unwell. Do not wait for a routine appointment or an online enquiry reply. Ongoing wound care may involve your GP, podiatrist and a high-risk foot service.
What Are Diabetic Ulcers and Their Impact on Feet?
Diabetic ulcers are open sores that most commonly occur on the feet of individuals with diabetes. These ulcers can lead to serious complications due to poor wound healing associated with the condition. Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing foot ulcers, primarily because of nerve damage and reduced blood flow to the extremities.
Understanding the causes of diabetic ulcers is crucial in preventing their occurrence. Factors such as high blood glucose levels, neuropathy, and vascular disease contribute to the development of these ulcers. Proper education on foot care and regular screenings can help manage these risks and prevent complications.
When it comes to the feet, diabetes can have a significant impact on foot health. Nerve damage and reduced blood flow can lead to a loss of sensation and slower healing of wounds, increasing the risk of infections and amputations if left untreated.
Why Choose Us for Your Care?
KMW Podiatry provides podiatry care across metropolitan Adelaide and Gawler, with treatment planned around each patient’s needs.
Health Scheme Support
We see patients under WorkCover, GP care plans, NDIS, DVA, Support at Home and other funding arrangements, so cost and eligibility are clear from the start.
Ahpra-Registered Podiatrists
Your care is provided by podiatrists registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Convenient Locations
Clinics across metropolitan Adelaide and Gawler, located inside GP practices, medical centres and stand-alone sites.
Home Visits Available
Where travelling to a clinic is difficult, eligible patients across Adelaide can receive podiatry care at home.
How to Recognise & Manage Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
Your treating team will assess the wound, circulation, sensation and signs of infection. Care may involve an appropriate dressing, pressure relief (offloading), removal of unsuitable or damaged tissue by a trained clinician, and management of contributing health conditions.
Antibiotics are used when infection is present and should be prescribed by the appropriate clinician. Ordinary soft shoes alone may not provide enough pressure relief. Follow the wound-care and offloading plan you are given, and arrange review if the wound changes.
Read Healthdirect’s guidance on chronic wounds and Diabetes Australia’s foot-care advice.
Treatment Options for Diabetic Ulcers
Treatments are different for every person depending on the patient’s symptoms and needs. Some treatment strategies may include:
Call our team to discuss ongoing podiatry care alongside your treating clinicians. A new wound or signs of infection need prompt medical assessment; routine booking should not delay that assessment.
FAQ's for Diabetic Ulcers Treatment
What is the treatment for diabetic ulcers in Adelaide?
Diabetic foot ulcers are managed by a team that may include your podiatrist, GP, high-risk foot service and, where needed, a vascular surgeon. Treatment may involve managing diabetes, removing dead or infected tissue (debridement), dressings and offloading pressure from the wound.
How do I arrange care for a diabetic foot ulcer?
For a new ulcer, contact your GP or treating foot team for same-day advice. If the wound is rapidly worsening or you feel unwell, attend an emergency department. For planned follow-up podiatry, call KMW on 1800 962 113 and explain your current wound-care plan.
What are the causes of diabetic ulcers?
Diabetic ulcers develop due to factors such as peripheral vascular disease, nerve damage from diabetes, and high levels of glucose in the blood.
Why is it essential to manage diabetes for diabetic ulcer treatment?
Managing diabetes is essential for diabetic ulcer treatment as uncontrolled diabetes can lead to severe complications, including limb loss.
What are the symptoms of diabetic ulcers?
A foot ulcer is an area of broken skin or an open wound. It may leak fluid, and the surrounding skin may look red or swollen. Reduced feeling can mean it is not painful. If you have diabetes and notice a new wound or concerning change, seek medical advice that day. Follow the urgent-care guidance at the top of this page if the problem is worsening or you feel unwell.
What treatments are available to prevent diabetic ulcers?
Treatments to prevent diabetic ulcers may involve regular foot care, wearing appropriate footwear, keeping blood sugar levels in check, and seeking medical attention promptly for any foot issues.
What areas in Adelaide offer diabetic ulcer treatment services?
KMW Podiatry has clinics across metropolitan Adelaide and Gawler and offers home visits. Contact us to find a suitable location for treatment.