The Diabetic Foot & Wound Care
Diabetic foot and wound care protects the feet from the damage that high blood sugar can cause and treats wounds before they become serious. At Foot and Ankle Specialists in West Jordan, Dr. Trevor R. Williams has cared for the diabetic foot for more than 20 years, applying evidence-based, individualized treatment to help patients heal and stay active. Prevention is the most important part of diabetic foot care, and it is where we start.
The Diabetic Foot
Diabetes is a disease involving the body’s system for controlling blood sugar. It is largely a hormonal problem, with insulin the primary hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. When that system malfunctions, blood sugar rises and, over time, damages the body. The nerves, blood vessels, and joints of the feet are especially vulnerable. About 60% of people with diabetes develop nerve damage (neuropathy) in their feet, a complication that can lead to wounds, infections, deformities, and, in serious cases, amputation.
Diabetes is common and serious. Tens of millions of American adults are living with diabetes, and millions more are undiagnosed or prediabetic. The American Diabetes Association and the American Podiatric Medical Association recommend that people with diabetes have their feet examined by a podiatrist at least once a year, and more often when complications are present.
Our approach: Dr. Williams takes a holistic view of his diabetic patients — providing proper foot care, assisting with shoe selection, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle and diet. Many of his patients are active, and the same evidence-based principles he applies to runners at running injury care inform how he keeps diabetic feet healthy and moving.
Dr. Williams has worked with the diabetic foot for more than 20 years. This experience provides his patients with the highest level of care. Dr. Williams focus is on applying evidence-based guidelines in the treatment of his diabetic patients. Prevention is the most important part of diabetic foot care.
Wound Care
Statistics vary by source, but up to roughly 1 in 5 people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime. These wounds most often appear on the bottom of the feet, and the most common underlying factor is neuropathy. When excess sugar damages the nerves, you may lose the ability to feel when pressure on the foot is too much for the tissue to tolerate — so a wound can form and grow without being noticed.
Why early care matters: When a wound forms, it is important to seek care promptly. Dr. Williams has treated diabetic patients for nearly two decades with an excellent track record of healing wounds. Each wound is unique and requires specialized attention to promote healing and reduce the risk of severe infection or amputation.
Our philosophy: Wound care is both simple and complex. The simplicity lies in understanding the anatomy and physiology of the body; the complexity lies in the fact that no two patients or wounds are alike. Customizing treatment to the individual is the foundation of our wound-care philosophy.
First and foremost, wounds requires the expertise of a foot and ankle surgeon. Wound care is both simple and complex. The simplicity is found in understanding the anatomy and physiology of the human body and Dr. Williams has extensive experience and knowledge about the human body and applies this to wound care. The complexity of wound care is found in the uniqueness of each patient and wound. No two are alike. Customizing treatment is the foundation of our wound care philosophy.
How We Care For The Diabetic Foot
- Preventive exams: Regular foot exams catch small problems — calluses, pressure points, dry or cracked skin — before they become wounds.
- Wound treatment: For ulcers and non-healing wounds, we provide cleaning, debridement, dressing, and the close follow-up a wound needs to close.
- Footwear guidance: Proper shoes and, when helpful, custom orthotics reduce the pressure points that lead to ulcers.
- Education and lifestyle: Because blood-sugar control and daily self-checks are central to prevention, we help patients build habits that protect their feet between visits.
When to Contact Our Office
Please contact us as soon as possible if you notice a wound or ulcer on your foot, any sore that is not healing, or signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or an odor. With diabetes, a wound that looks minor can become serious quickly, so early evaluation is always the safer choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should someone with diabetes see a podiatrist?
The American Diabetes Association and American Podiatric Medical Association recommend a foot exam at least once a year, and more often if you have neuropathy, poor circulation, or a history of wounds.
Why do diabetic foot wounds need a specialist?
Diabetic wounds are influenced by circulation, sensation, and pressure, and each one is different. A foot and ankle surgeon can address the wound and the underlying factors together, which gives it the best chance to heal.
Can diabetic foot problems be prevented?
Often, yes. Daily foot checks, good blood-sugar control, well-fitting shoes, and regular professional exams substantially lower the risk of ulcers and infections.
Do you treat active and athletic patients with diabetes?
Yes. Dr. Williams has a strong sports-medicine background and helps active patients with diabetes stay moving safely while protecting their feet.
Schedule Your Visit
To schedule your visit with Dr. Williams for diabetic foot and wound care in West Jordan, contact our office. If you have an ulcer or wound, please reach out as soon as possible for an evaluation. Request an appointment or call (801) 569-2696.