Diabetic foot ulcers are more common and more serious than most people realize. They often start small and painless but can lead to serious complications if left untreated. In this guide, we’ll cover what causes them, how to spot them early, and what you can do to prevent and treat them.
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What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that usually forms on the bottom of the foot in people with diabetes. It’s one of the most common complications of diabetes. About 15% of people with diabetes have it at some point in their lives.
These ulcers usually start small from a blister, a cut, or pressure from shoes. But due to poor circulation and nerve damage (neuropathy), they often go unnoticed and heal slowly. High blood sugar levels further delay healing and increase the risk of infection.
Diabetic foot ulcers are serious. They account for over 80% of diabetes-related amputations. But they are treatable and even preventable with proper foot care, blood sugar control, and early medical attention.
If caught early, most foot ulcers can heal without surgery. But if ignored, they can worsen quickly, leading to bone infections or tissue death. That’s why daily foot checks and timely treatment are critical if you have it.
Can You Die from Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
Yes. If left untreated, diabetic foot ulcers can lead to life-threatening complications. While the ulcer itself isn’t fatal, it can cause serious infections that spread to the bone (osteomyelitis) or the bloodstream (sepsis). In severe cases, this can lead to amputation and even death.
Studies show that people with diabetic foot ulcers have a higher risk of death within five years than those without. This risk increases if the ulcer becomes infected or requires amputation. The good news? Most of these outcomes are preventable. Don’t ignore any changes to your feet. Getting help early could save your foot and your life. Contact a wound care specialist in Arizona.
What Causes Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
Diabetic foot ulcers usually start with two main issues: nerve damage and poor circulation. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage nerves, especially in the feet. This condition, peripheral neuropathy, reduces your ability to feel pain, heat, or injuries. So, a small cut, blister, or pressure spot can go unnoticed.
At the same time, diabetes can also restrict blood flow, making it harder for wounds to heal. Without enough circulation, your body can’t bring oxygen and nutrients to the area, which slows healing and increases the risk of infection.
Other common causes and risk factors include:
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Walking barefoot
- Calluses or corns that break down
- Foot deformities or bony pressure points
- A history of foot ulcers or amputation
- Poor blood sugar control
What Does a Diabetic Foot Ulcer Look Like?
A diabetic foot ulcer often looks like an open sore with a red, inflamed border. It may appear shallow or deep, and in some cases, you might see tissue loss or a darkened area in the center. The skin around the ulcer can be swollen, warm, or callused.
You might not feel any pain, especially if you have nerve damage, but watch out for these signs:
- Drainage or pus on your socks
- Foul odor coming from the wound
- Redness or discoloration around the area
- Skin that looks shiny or stretched
- Sores that don’t heal after a few days
Ulcers most often develop on weight-bearing areas like the ball of the foot, the heel, or under the big toe. If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Get treated as early as possible to prevent serious complications.
How to Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Preventing diabetic foot ulcers starts with daily habits. The goal is to catch small problems before they turn into bigger ones. Here’s what you can do:
- Check your feet every day. Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or anything unusual even if you don’t feel pain.
- Keep your feet clean and moisturized. Wash daily with warm water and gentle, fragrance-free soap. Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. Use lotion, but avoid applying it between the toes to prevent fungal growth.
- Wear shoes that fit well. Avoid tight shoes, high heels, or walking barefoot even indoors. Consider diabetic footwear or custom orthotics if you have foot deformities or pressure points.
- Trim toenails carefully. Cut straight across and file the edges. If you can’t do it safely, have a podiatrist help. An ingrown toenail might seem minor, but if you have diabetes, it can quickly lead to an infection or even a foot ulcer.
- Manage your blood sugar. Test your blood sugar regularly and take your medications as prescribed. Stick to a diabetes-friendly diet and get enough exercise. Staying hydrated and getting enough sleep also help your body regulate glucose more efficiently.
- See a foot doctor regularly. Even if you don’t have any issues, routine foot exams help catch early signs of trouble.
How to Treat Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Treatment depends on how deep the ulcer is and whether it’s infected, but the goal is always the same: heal the wound, prevent infection, and relieve pressure. Here’s what a diabetic foot ulcer treatment typically involves:
- Wound care. Your provider will clean the ulcer, remove dead tissue (a process called debridement), and apply a sterile dressing. You’ll need to keep the wound clean and change bandages as directed.
- Offloading. Reducing pressure on the ulcer is critical. This might mean wearing a special boot, cast, or brace to take weight off the area.
- Infection control. If there’s an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Severe infections might require hospitalization or surgery.
- Blood sugar control. Keeping glucose levels steady helps the ulcer heal faster and lowers the risk of complications.
- Advanced treatments. In some cases, doctors may use skin substitutes, growth factor therapy, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy to support healing.
When to See a Wound Care Specialist
If you have diabetes and notice any signs of a foot ulcer, don’t wait for it to get worse. The earlier you start treatment, the better the outcome. At Shirah Surgical, we specialize in advanced wound care and diabetic foot ulcer treatment. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward healing.
Call us at (480) 531 – 1681 to schedule a consultation today. We serve patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding areas, including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, and Peoria, AZ.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a diabetic foot ulcer to heal?
Healing time varies based on the size, depth, infection status, and how well your blood sugar is managed. Some ulcers heal in a few weeks, while others can take up to months.
Can diabetic foot ulcers heal on their own?
Not usually. Without proper care, ulcers tend to get worse, not better. Medical treatment is necessary to prevent infection and promote healing.
Is it safe to walk with a diabetic foot ulcer?
It depends on the ulcer’s location and severity. In most cases, pressure needs to be offloaded using a boot, brace, or wheelchair. Walking without protection can slow healing or make it worse.
What happens if a diabetic foot ulcer doesn’t heal?
An unhealed ulcer can lead to infection, tissue death, and, in severe cases, amputation. That’s why early intervention is critical.
Do I need to see a specialist for a foot ulcer?
Yes. Wound care specialists and foot doctors have the tools and training to manage ulcers effectively. The sooner you get professional care, the better the outcome.