Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

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, a small percentage will require hospitalization for infection or other ulcer-related complications. If treated early, however, most foot ulcers can be managed effectively without surgical intervention.

Why Do They Occur?

Diabetic foot ulcers develop due to a combination of factors, such as lack of feeling in the foot, poor circulation, foot deformities, irritation (such as friction or pressure), and trauma, as well as duration of diabetes. Patients who have had diabetes for many years can develop neuropathy, a reduced or complete lack of ability to feel pain in the feet due to nerve damage.

The nerve damage often can occur without pain, and one may not experience symptoms of a foot problem. Vascular disease can complicate a foot ulcer by reducing the bodys ability to heal, increasing the risk for an infection to develop.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Because of the nerve damage associated with diabetes, patients may not feel the pain of a developing ulcer. The most common signs that you may have a foot ulcer include:

• Drainage from your foot that might stain your socks or be noticed on your bedsheets.
• Redness and swelling in the foot.
• Odors from the foot, which is one of the more common signs of an infection.
• The presence of black tissue (eschar) around the ulcer.

The Importance of Professional Treatment

Not all ulcers are infected; however, if an infection is present, it must be treated immediately to prevent complications such as abscesses, osteomyelitis (bone infection), or gangrene. The 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.

Prevention Strategies

The best way to treat a foot ulcer is to prevent its development in the first place. High-risk patients should visit a podiatrist or healthcare provider regularly for foot exams. Other preventative measures include:

• Checking your feet every single day for cuts, redness, swelling, or blisters.
• Keeping your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes.
• Wearing properly fitting shoes and socks at all times; never walk barefoot.
• Trimming toenails straight across and filing the edges.
• Ensuring that your blood sugar levels are controlled through diet, exercise, and medication as prescribed.

If you notice any unusual changes in your feet, do not wait. Early intervention is the most effective tool in preventing the progression of a diabetic foot ulcer into a more serious medical condition.