Med Student Medical News about Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Become a Member Today!
Register

Most Viewed Abstracts

1. Report Shows Shift in Starting Salaries for Physicians

2. Recommendations on the use of 18F-FDG PET in oncology

3. Use of Antiemetic Agents in Acute Gastroenteritis

4. Gene expression signatures, clinicopathological features, and individualized therapy in breast cancer

5. AHA Guidelines on Cardiac CT for Assessing Coronary Artery Disease

Your Article Summary

See Latest Articles

(Click the title below to leave the MDLinx Network and go to the Journal's Website)

Exploring the complex care of the diabetic foot ulcer
JAAPA, 10/26/09

Jones R – Many amputations resulting from diabetic foot ulcers are preventable with a thorough evaluation and aggressive treatment. The most important primary preventive measures are properly fitting socks and shoes and good control of blood glucose and lipid levels and of BP. A comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation, including determination of etiology, is essential in treating the diabetic foot ulcer. The primary objective is to heal the ulcer and prevent amputation. Patients with an infected foot ulcer benefit from early, aggressive treatment that encompasses debridement, good wound care, and pressure relief. An infected diabetic foot ulcer requires close supervision whether it is limb threatening or not. A radiograph of the foot is acceptable initially, but a technetium scan or MRI may be warranted to confirm the clinical assessment. Antibiotic coverage should be broad spectrum and tailored to the patient.