Ulcer Care & Treatment
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,
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
Amniotic Membranes for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Amniotic Membranes Help With Healing in Diabetic Feet Acute wounds typically proceed through the phases of healing in a timely manner. Chronic wounds however become stuck in the initial phases of healing, leading to the overall delay in formation of granular or...
How to Treat and Prevent a Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Research suggests that 15 percent of all patients with diabetes develop diabetic foot ulcers, which are open sores or wounds typically located on the bottom of the foot. If you are a diabetic, it is absolutely critical for you to treat foot injuries as soon as...
Having Foot or Ankle Problems?
Dr. Titko has more than 20 years of medical and surgical experience treating foot and ankle conditions. Feel free to contact us at: (513) 729-4455 and speak to our trained staff. Contact us today!