Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Living with diabetes means paying close attention to your feet. Even a small blister, cut or scrape can become a serious wound if it isn’t treated promptly. Knowing what to look for and when to seek care can help prevent complications and keep you moving.
What Is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops on the foot, most often on the bottom of the foot or over areas that experience repeated pressure. These wounds are one of the most common complications of diabetes and can become serious if left untreated.
Diabetes can affect the body’s ability to heal by reducing blood flow and damaging the nerves in your feet, a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. Because sensation is reduced, you may not notice a blister, cut or sore until it has become infected or grown larger.
Why Are People With Diabetes More at Risk?
Several factors make wound healing more difficult for people with diabetes, including:
- Reduced blood circulation that slows healing
- Nerve damage that decreases sensation in the feet
- Elevated blood sugar levels that can impair the body’s healing process
- Increased risk of infection
- Foot deformities or pressure points that create repeated friction
These factors can work together, making even minor injuries more difficult to heal without specialized care.
Signs and Symptoms of a Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Check your feet every day for signs of injury or changes in your skin. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:
- An open sore or wound
- Redness around the area
- Swelling
- Drainage on your sock or dressing
- A foul odor
- Warmth around the wound
- Black or discolored tissue
- A wound that isn’t getting smaller
Keep in mind that some diabetic foot ulcers cause little or no pain because of nerve damage.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Ignoring a foot wound can allow it to worsen quickly. Without proper treatment, diabetic foot ulcers may become infected, spread to deeper tissues or lead to hospitalization.
Seeking care early gives your wound the best opportunity to heal while reducing the risk of serious complications.
How Diabetic Foot Ulcers Are Treated
Every wound is different, so treatment is tailored to each patient’s needs. Your care plan may include:
Wound Cleaning and Debridement
Removing dead or damaged tissue helps healthy tissue grow and supports healing.
Advanced Wound Dressings
Specialized dressings help maintain the right environment for healing while protecting the wound from contamination.
Pressure Relief
Reducing pressure on the affected area, often called offloading, is an important part of treatment. This may involve specialized footwear, casts or other devices.
Infection Management
If infection is present, your provider may recommend antibiotics or other treatments.
Managing Blood Sugar
Keeping blood glucose levels within your target range supports your body’s natural healing process and can improve treatment outcomes.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
For some patients with chronic or difficult-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Tips to Help Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers
While not every wound can be prevented, these simple habits can help lower your risk:
- Inspect your feet every day, including between your toes.
- Wash and dry your feet thoroughly each day.
- Moisturize dry skin, but avoid applying lotion between your toes.
- Wear shoes that fit properly and protect your feet.
- Never walk barefoot, even indoors.
- Trim toenails carefully or have them trimmed by a healthcare professional if needed.
- Keep your blood sugar under control.
- Schedule regular foot exams with your healthcare provider.
When Should You See a Wound Care Specialist?
If you have diabetes, don’t wait weeks to see if a wound improves on its own.
You should seek medical attention if:
- A wound isn’t improving after a few days.
- You notice increasing redness, swelling or drainage.
- The wound develops an odor.
- You have a fever or feel ill.
- The wound becomes larger or deeper.
Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and improve healing.
Advanced Wound Care Close to Home
The specialists at St. Mary’s Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine provide comprehensive care for diabetic foot ulcers and other chronic wounds. Using advanced treatment options and personalized care plans, our team works to promote healing and help patients return to their daily activities as safely and quickly as possible.
If you have diabetes and are concerned about a wound on your foot, talk with your healthcare provider or contact St. Mary’s Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine to learn more about your treatment options.
