Short answer: Diabetic foot ulcers result from complications of diabetes, such as poor circulation, nerve damage, and reduced healing ability. These issues can lead to pressure points breaking down into open sores. If you have or suspect a diabetic foot ulcer, contact a podiatrist immediately to prevent serious complications.
Why Diabetic Foot Ulcers Happen
Diabetic foot ulcers are primarily caused by a combination of factors linked to diabetes, including poor circulation, nerve damage, and a decreased ability to heal. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) reduces blood flow to the feet, depriving tissues of the oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy. When circulation is poor, even small injuries or pressure points may not heal properly, leading to skin breakdown.
At the same time, peripheral neuropathy causes numbness or reduced sensation in the feet. This means that minor injuries, cuts, or blisters could go unnoticed because they don’t cause pain. Without normal protective sensations, you might continue putting pressure on a sore spot, which can worsen the damage over time.
How Pressure and Injuries Become Ulcers
People with diabetes often develop thickened skin or calluses on areas of increased pressure, such as over bony areas like bunions or hammertoes. In a person without neuropathy, pain would signal a problem, but those with diabetes might not feel discomfort. This ongoing pressure can cause underlying tissue to break down, eventually forming an open sore or ulcer.
If left untreated, these ulcers can deepen and pose serious risks. A diabetic foot ulcer may start as a small sore but can quickly become much larger, extending to deeper layers of skin and potentially exposing bone. This significantly increases the risk of infection, which can spread quickly due to the reduced blood flow and compromised immune response often seen in diabetes.
What Podiatrists Can Do
Podiatrists play a crucial role in managing and preventing diabetic foot ulcers. At an initial visit, the podiatrist will carefully assess the foot, looking for any signs of ulcers or areas of concern. If an ulcer is present, treatment often begins with cleaning the wound and removing dead tissue through debridement. Removing this tissue helps promote healing by encouraging healthy tissue growth.
The podiatrist may apply special dressings or topical medications to the ulcer to fight infection and keep the wound moist to optimize healing. Often, custom orthotics are prescribed to redistribute pressure away from the ulcerated area, helping to protect it from further damage. Regular monitoring and preventative foot care are essential. This may include blood flow assessments and advice on managing blood sugar levels effectively.
For some patients, additional treatment like foot pain relief strategies or addressing underlying issues like bunions or hammertoes may be necessary to reduce future risks.
When to See a Podiatrist
Any open sore or wound on your foot that isn’t healing
Redness, swelling, or warmth in the area of a sore, which could indicate infection
Pain or bleeding from a wound, even if it seems minor
Signs of infection such as pus, unpleasant odors, or fever
Noticeable changes in skin color (such as blue or black) or temperature in your feet
Loss of sensation, tingling, or unusual sensations in your foot
If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, it’s essential to get help promptly. Diabetic foot ulcers are serious and require professional care to avoid complications like infection or, in severe cases, amputation. At DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center, we specialize in keeping diabetic patients healthy and on their feet. Visit us for a full diabetic foot examination and personalized foot care plan to maintain your foot health.
