Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Signs and Causes
A foot or leg ulcer are cause by a rage of factors but are most common for people with diabetes. They are a serious complication and require timely intervention. We have covered foot ulcers in our posts before, but this one is more detailed and focus on diabetic foot ulcers.
If you have had a diabetic foot ulcer- whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes - you are at a greater risk of infection which can then lead to a wound to the bone. Ulcers on the feet and legs increase the risk of having an amputation particularly in persons with diabetes. This is why it is imperative that you routinely visit a Podiatrist.
What is a Foot Ulcer?
An open sore which is caused by a break in the skin which fails to heal. You may find it under big toes or at the bottom of the feet. It often looks like a round red crater in the skin bordered by thickened callused skin. If an ulcer is severe, it could even expose bones. Here are some of the common signs of diabetic foot ulcers to look out for:
Swelling and redness that is out of the ordinary.
Discharge from the wound may be seeping out onto your socks and shoes.
Fungal Infection/Athlete’s Foot: it’s important to get this treated immediately as it makes you more vulnerable to serious complications such as foot ulcers
Discoloration: one of the most common signs is black or brown tisse around the wound resulting from a lack of blood flow to the feet.
Corns, Calluses and Blisters
Body Fever and Chills
Partial or Complete Gangrene: symptoms include swelling, blisters, sudden, severe pain, thin, shiny skin & skin discoloration.
What causes Foot Ulcers?
Some of the common reasons or ulcers are:
Pressure or Circulation problems - this could be resulting from an increased pressure to the foot, or poor blood flow to the foot
Open Wounds
Blisters
Poorly fitting shoes - this may cause blisters or aforementioned pressure problems
Nerve damage resulting in loss of sensation in your feet - often the loss of feeling in the foot means the above problems are not felt further aggravating the issue. ?
Prevention is always better than cure so here are our tips:
It is important to check your skin daily and if you notice open wounds to treat them immediately.
Wash your feet and moisture on the daily.
Wear protective footwear such as shoes and socks.
What should you do if you notice a problem? To Do If You Notice A Problem
The signs of diabetic ulcers on the foot should never be left untreated. If you notice a foot ulcer has developed, it is important to see a Podiatrist. They’re the right health professionals to manage your wound care, provide advise on appropriate footwear as well as make any adjustments required - such as supplying and fitting padding to manage pressure areas.
If you have circulation problems you may need to see a vascular surgeon to improve the blood flow to your feet. Your podiatrist is able to work with the wound clinic, GP, vascular surgeon and other members of your health team to provide comprehensive care to manage the ulcer.