Diabetic Ulcers

What are diabetic ulcers?

Diabetic foot ulcers are non-healing or frequent open wounds (sores) that may develop in people with diabetes. Diabetics are at risk of nerve damage in their feet (neuropathy), which can lead to numbness and even cuts, scrapes, or puncture wounds without their knowledge. 

Left untreated, ulcers can cause an infection. Up to 24% of people with diabetes in the United States need an amputation after getting an ulcer. That’s why prevention, early detection, and treatment of ulcers are critical when you have diabetes. 

What are the symptoms of diabetic ulcers?

Diabetic ulcers are wounds that can take on any shape. They may appear as a wedge or crater, and they vary in color, but wounds that become black contain tissues that have died. 

Diabetic ulcers often start small, about the size of a pea, and may grow wider and deeper when left untreated. Before an ulcer develops, you might notice dryness, scaliness, redness, cracked skin, or a rash. The wound might also drain fluid or have an unpleasant odor. 

What are the risk factors for diabetic ulcers?

Diabetic ulcer risk factors include:

• Diabetes
• Nerve damage
• Cellulitis (bacterial infection)
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes-related eye problems
• Being Hispanic, Black, or Native American
• Obesity
• Foot or toe trauma
• Blood circulation problems
• Bunions
• Hammertoe, mallet toe, or claw toe
• Using tobacco products
• Alcohol use
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Poor circulation
• Unusual gait (the way you walk)
• Friction caused by poorly fitting shoes

Effectively managing your blood sugar and adopting other healthy lifestyle habits helps reduce the risk of diabetic ulcers.

How are diabetic ulcers diagnosed?

Dr. Stephens diagnoses diabetic ulcers by examining your feet and toes. He evaluates their overall appearance, location, size, shape, and severity. He might complete a swab, biopsy, onsite foot X-rays, or other imaging procedures to determine how to best treat your ulcer. 

How are diabetic ulcers treated?

Your individualized treatment plan may include:

• Inspecting your feet regularly for sores
• Routine podiatry evaluations
• Dressings
• Topical wound care
• Oral medications
• Antibiotics
• Compression
• Custom orthotics
• Drainage
• Off-loading 
• Toenail care
• Foot elevation
• Debridement (removing infected or damaged tissues)
• Skin grafting
• Surgery, when necessary

It’s also important to maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking, and effectively manage your blood sugar, blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. 

Schedule a diabetic ulcer evaluation today at Arise Foot and Ankle by calling the office or booking a visit online.