Diabetic foot ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious complication that can occur in people living with diabetes. These wounds often develop on the bottom of the foot and can be challenging to heal, especially when there are issues with blood flow or nerve damage. Early recognition and prevention are key to avoiding infection and promoting healing.
What Causes Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
Foot ulcers usually develop because high blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels. Nerve damage, or neuropathy, can reduce your ability to feel pain or pressure, so minor injuries may go unnoticed. Poor circulation can make it harder for cuts or sores to heal. Everyday friction from shoes, walking, or small injuries can turn into ulcers if not treated promptly.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Sores or open wounds that do not heal
- Redness, swelling or warmth around a wound
- Drainage, pus, or unusual odor
- Pain or tenderness (though neuropathy may reduce sensation)
- Black tissue or discoloration at the edges of a sore
How Diabetic Foot Ulcers Are Treated
Treatment focuses on keeping the wound clean and protected, removing dead tissue, and using dressings that support healing. Special footwear may be recommended to reduce pressure. Maintaining blood sugar in your recommended range supports healing and lowers infection risk. Antibiotics may be prescribed if infection is present. Regular checkups help monitor progress, and severe ulcers may need more advanced care.
Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- Examine your feet daily for cuts, blisters, swelling or redness
- Wash your feet daily, dry carefully, and moisturize (avoid between toes)
- Trim nails carefully and file sharp edges
- Wear well-fitting shoes and avoid walking barefoot
- Schedule regular foot exams with your healthcare provider
- Keep blood sugar levels within your recommended range
If you notice changes in your feet or develop a sore, contact your healthcare practitioner promptly. Early care helps prevent complications and supports healing.
What is a diabetic foot ulcer?
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound or sore on the foot of someone with diabetes. These ulcers can be slow to heal and may become serious if not treated promptly.
Why do people with diabetes get foot ulcers?
High blood sugar can cause nerve damage and poor circulation. This makes it harder to feel injuries and slows healing, allowing small cuts or sores to develop into ulcers if not addressed.
What are the signs of a foot ulcer?
Look for sores that don’t heal, redness, swelling, drainage, unusual odor, pain or tenderness. Nerve damage may reduce your ability to feel discomfort. Any changes in skin color or appearance should be checked by a healthcare provider.
How are diabetic foot ulcers treated?
Treatment includes cleaning and covering the ulcer, removing dead tissue, and protecting the area from further pressure. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels helps with healing. Antibiotics may be used if an infection develops, and regular follow-ups are essential.
How can I prevent diabetic foot ulcers?
Check your feet daily, wash and moisturize them, trim nails carefully, wear proper footwear, avoid going barefoot, control blood sugar, and see your healthcare provider regularly for foot exams.
When should I contact TidalHealth or my healthcare provider?
Reach out promptly if you notice a sore, redness, swelling, pain, or any signs of infection. Early care can improve healing and help prevent serious complications.
