Spotting and Stopping Foot Ulcers
What is Foot Ulcer?
A foot ulcer is an open sore on the foot. It can be shallow red crater impacting only the surface skin, or it could be very deep and extend to the full thickness of the skin. It may also involve bones, tendons or other deep structure.
How do you get Foot Ulcers?
Ulcers can form due to many reasons such as blisters, open wounds, poor circulation problems, and pressure from tight shoes. So get rid of those tight shoes!
People that suffer from diabetes or poor circulation are more likely to develop foot ulcers. The most common start to ulcers in those with diabetes is rubbing and pressure from tight shoes. In people with these conditions, even a small foot ulcer may become infected if it does not heal quickly. Foot and leg ulcers in people with diabetes have an increased risk of amputation.
How do you prevent Foot Ulcers?
Prevention is always better than cure. Some Podiatrist foot care guide to preventing ulcers are:
It’s all about footwear that fits well.
Trim your toenails straight across with a nail clipper.
Practice good foot hygiene - this means washing your feet every day using mild soap and warm water and drying thoroughly (even in between the toes!). It’s good to moisturize but don’t apply lotion between the toes.
Put eyes on your feet - examine your feet everyday to check for any changes such as calluses, rubbed areas or cracks.
Bring a Podiatrist into your life - if you have corns or calluses, ask your Podiatrist on how to care for them. If you have diabetes, it’s important to get your feet examined by a Podiatrist no matter how well controlled the disease is.
How do you manage Foot Ulcers?
If a foot ulcer develops seek a health professional as soon as possible. A Podiatrist can manage wound care, provide advise on correctly fitting footwear and supply and fit padding or special shoes to manage pressure areas.
There may be some situations in which you be required to wear a walking boot or plaster cast to aid the ulcer in healing.
When should you see a Podiatrist for the treatment of Foot Ulcers?
When people have diabetic foot problems, waiting days or even a week to see a health professional for an open wound is too long.
Ulcers should be treated by a Podiatrist (or wound specialist) who can remove the dead tissue in the wound and provide appropriate dressings to encourage the tissue to heal.
It is imperative that the focus is on prevention of infection and thus you may be required to do an x-ray to assess whether an infection has spread to the bone. A Podiatrist can work with other health professionals (your GP, vascular surgeon or other health professional) in order to provide comprehensive care to manage the ulcer.
Don’t hesitate to get a wound checked out!