What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes and is commonly located on the bottom of the foot. Of those who develop a foot ulcer, 6 percent will be hospitalized due to infection or other
ulcer-related complication.

Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations in the United States, and approximately 14-24 percent of patients with diabetes who develop a foot ulcer will require an amputation. Foot ulceration precedes 85 percent of diabetes-related
amputations. Research has shown, however, that development of a foot ulcer is preventable.

Symptoms of Diabetic Ulcers

Because many people who develop foot ulcers have lost the ability to feel pain, pain is not a common symptom. Many times, the first thing you may notice is some drainage on your socks. Redness and swelling may also be associated with the ulceration and,
if it has progressed significantly, odor may be present.

Treatment of Skin Ulcers

Once an ulcer is noticed, seek Cincinnati podiatrist medical care immediately. Foot ulcers in patients with diabetes should be treated to reduce the risk of infection and amputation, improve function and quality of life, and reduce health-care costs.

The primary goal in the treatment of foot ulcers is to obtain healing as soon as possible. The faster the healing, the less chance for an infection.

There are several key factors in the appropriate treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer:

• Prevention of infection
• Taking the pressure off the area, called “off-loading”
• Removing dead skin and tissue, called “debridement”
• Applying medication or dressings to the ulcer
• Managing blood glucose and other health problems

Additional Sources