Foot and Ankle Ulcers Wound Care

What You Need To Know

Understanding ulcers, why they form, and when to seek help from your podiatrist.

Understanding Foot and Ankle Ulcers

Having diabetes increases the risk of developing a wide range of foot problems. With diabetes, small foot problems can turn into serious complications. An ulcer is a sore in the skin that may go all the way to the bone. Because of poor circulation and neuropathy in the feet, cuts or blisters can easily turn into ulcers that become infected and will not heal. This is a common, and serious, complication of diabetes and can lead to a loss of the foot, leg, or one’s life.

People living with diabetes are prone to foot problems often because of two complications: nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation. Neuropathy causes loss of feeling in your feet, taking away your ability to feel pain and discomfort, so you may not detect an injury or irritation. Poor circulation reduces your ability to heal, making it hard for even a tiny cut to resist infection.

Do not ignore leg pain. Pain in the leg that occurs at night or with a little activity could mean you have a blocked artery. If your foot is swollen, red, or hot, or has changed in size, shape, or direction, see your doctor immediately. These issues can worsen very quickly.

Managing diabetes by controlling blood glucose (especially hemoglobin A1C) is the primary focus to avoid developing complications. Your podiatrist can help wounds heal and prevent infection or amputation. Many surgical techniques are available to save feet and legs, including joint reconstruction and wound healing technologies. If you notice a sore that is not healing, schedule an evaluation with Desert Foot and Ankle right away.

Proactive Steps to Protect Your Feet

You play a vital role in reducing complications. Inspect your feet daily. If your eyesight is poor, have someone else do it for you. Look for cuts, scrapes, redness, drainage, swelling, bad odor, rash, discoloration, loss of hair on toes, injuries, or nail changes such as deformed, striped, yellowed, thickened, or nails that are not growing.

Never perform “bathroom surgery.” Never trim calluses or corns yourself, and do not use over-the-counter medicated pads. If you have ingrown nail problems, hard or thickened nails, or reduced feeling in your feet, your toenails should be properly trimmed by a professional.

Keep floors free of sharp objects. Make sure no needles, insulin syringes, or other sharp objects are on the floor. Do not go barefoot. Wear shoes indoors and outdoors. If you dislike closed shoes, many sandals provide a level of protection. Shake out your shoes before putting them on and make sure your socks are not bunched up.

Have your circulation and sense of feeling tested. Corns, calluses, dry cracked skin, nail disorders, hammertoes, bunions, and Charcot foot can all lead to ulcers if left unaddressed, so regular foot checkups are essential.

Seeking immediate help when you notice something can keep small problems from worsening. Your foot and ankle doctor works together with other healthcare providers to prevent and treat complications from diabetes, so schedule an evaluation at the first sign of trouble.