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A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that most commonly occurs on the bottom of the
foot in approximately 15 percent of patients with
diabetes. Of those who develop a
foot ulcer, six percent will be hospitalized due to infection or other ulcer-related complication.
Diabetes is the leading cause of
nontraumatic lower extremity amputations in the United States, and approximately 14 to 24 percent of
patients with diabetes who develop a foot ulcer have an amputation. Research, however, has shown that the
development of a foot ulcer is preventable.
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Who Can Get a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
- Anyone who has diabetes can develop a foot ulcer.
- Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics and older men are more likely to develop ulcers.
- People who use insulin are at a higher risk of developing a foot ulcer, as are patients with diabetes-related kidney, eye, and heart disease.
- Being overweight and using alcohol and tobacco also play a role in the development of foot ulcers.
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Treatment
Once an ulcer is noticed, seek podiatric medical care immediately. Foot ulcers in patients with
diabetes should be treated for several reasons such as, reducing the risk of infection and amputation, improving function and quality of life, and reducing health care costs.
The primary goal in the treatment of foot ulcers is to obtain healing as soon as possible. The faster the healing, the less chance for an infection.
There are several key factors in the appropriate treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer:
- Prevention of infection.
- Taking the pressure off the area, called "off-loading."
- Removing dead skin and tissue, called "debridement."
- Applying medication or dressings to the ulcer.
- Managing blood glucose and other health problems.
more information and photographs
You can also download our Podiatry-at-a-Glance newsletter:
A Guide to Diabetic Foot Care and Ulcerations
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(content courtesy of APMA)
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