EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS
You may have some questions about diabetic foot ulcers such as, what are they? What do I do if I have one? In this blog post, I will address these question and more so you can leave with a comfortable understanding of diabetic foot ulcers.
What are diabetic foot ulcers?
Diabetic foot ulcers are sores on the feet or anywhere below the ankle. In my experience diabetic foot ulcers are very common in patients suffering from diabetes, in fact, 1 in 4 of people suffering from diabetes will develop one ulcer post-diagnosis. Diabetic foot ulcers usually begin with an injury to the foot such as stepping on a tack or even a small cut from dry skin.
Who is at a higher risk?
My patients who are diabetic and also have diabetic neuropathy have a higher risk of suffering from diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic neuropathy causes damage to nerves in parts of the body particularly the feet. Whenever any of my patients are suffering from diabetic neuropathy I know I have to thoroughly examine their feet because they could have an open wound or ulcer and not even know it.
Also, diabetic patients who have peripheral artery disease are at a higher risk of suffering from a diabetic foot ulcer. Peripheral artery disease, PAD, prevents blood vessels from delivering oxygen and nutrients needed for an ulcer to heal. 45% of the diabetic foot ulcers I see occur in patients who have both diabetic neuropathy and PAD.
Symptoms of PAD:
Pain in the legs due to activity
Pain in the legs even while at rest
Legs that get tired with activity
Decreased growth of leg hair and toenails
One leg or foot that is cooler than the other
Toes or a foot that is pale or blue in color
Non-healing foot ulcer
Other factors that can increase your likelihood of having a diabetic foot ulcer:
Being male
Being older than 60 years of age
Abnormal shape of the foot
Problems seeing well
Chronic kidney disease
High blood sugar
Are foot ulcers life-threatening?
No, an ulcer is not life-threatening if treated promptly and efficiently. However, if an ulcer is untreated it can become life-threatening, especially in cases of:
Infection that has gone septic or caused osteomyelitis.
Ischemia, inadequate blood flow to your feet
Amputation, which is a treatment for diabetic foot ulcers but also increases the risk of mortality in diabetic patients compared to a non-amputee.
If you have diabetes and have an open sore that won’t heal, is red, painful, warm, and is draining pus, or smells funny do not wait to make an appointment. In my experience the longer you wait to seek treatment for an ulcer increases the risk that it will never heal. Early intervention is key to preventing serious complications, so please make an appointment with me at my office at your earliest convenience.
River Podiatry, with locations in Pearl River NY, and Midland Park NJ, provides comprehensive, treatment of patients with podiatric issues. The practice specializes in foot surgery and the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Expect the best possible care utilizing the most modern techniques. Make an appointment today with Rockland County and Bergen County podiatrist Dr. Han!
