Halloween is almost upon us, which means it’s only natural to wonder – how did trick-or-treating start?

This beloved—by children and candy manufacturers, at least—holiday tradition actually has roots going back to the Middle Ages. As part of some Celtic celebrations, villagers would dress up in animal skins as a form of disguise intended to drive away phantom visitors. To placate the unwelcome spirits, edible offerings were left out. People started to dress as ghosts and demons and would perform antics (tricks) in exchange for food and drink (treats).

There’s more to the story, but we all know how it eventually turned out – kids in America dress up in costumes and go door-to-door collecting candy from neighbors.

Is it any wonder, then, as to why diabetes has become a major problem—with over 100 million people being either diabetic or prediabetic!—in our country?

Of course, diabetes isn’t just a societal health issue. This disease causes wide-ranging effects throughout the entire body, including down in the feet. Diabetic wounds are a particularly serious issue stemming from the disease. Knowing how to treat diabetic wounds is essential in lowering your risk for serious medical complications!

In the event you become aware of a fresh wound, you need to take measures immediately to address the situation. This means starting by flushing out the wound with clean, running water. It might seem as though using soap, hydrogen peroxide, or an antibiotic ointment would make sense (to help reduce risk of infection), but these products can cause irritation. Instead, protect the wound with a clean bandage after rinsing it out with clean water, and then come see as soon as you possibly can.

Early treatment can prevent wounds from breaking down to the point of ulceration, which is obviously quite important. Given the impaired nerve function and sensitivity from diabetes, a key pillar of a diabetic foot care plan is a daily foot inspection. This careful inspection will alert you to any issues that need to be addressed. If you discover anything out of the ordinary, come see us as soon as possible.

Speaking of seeing us, if you have been diagnosed with diabetes—or think you may have this disease—contact Parker Foot & Ankle to set up an appointment. Together, we can create a diabetic foot care plan centered on preventative measures and early detection and treatment to keep your feet safe. Call us at (281) 497-2850 to schedule an appointment.