Diabetic Foot Ulcers & Foot Pain

What are diabetic foot ulcers?

Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds or sores on your feet that heal slowly and can cause significant pain and discomfort. Ulcers typically appear on the soles of the feet in about 15% of people with diabetes. In about 6% of cases, ulcers can become infected and require hospitalization.

With proper foot care, diabetic ulcers and the associated pain can be prevented. The team can help you to manage your diabetes and reduce your risk of ulcers and other vascular issues.

What causes diabetic foot ulcers?

Diabetic foot ulcers occur due to several factors. Ulcers are most common among men and those of Native American, African American, and Hispanic descent who have diabetes. Other causes include:

• Insulin use
• Poor circulation
• Foot deformities
• Foot irritation due to improperly fitted shoes
• Trauma

If you’ve had diabetes for many years, you can develop neuropathy, which reduces the sensation in your feet. This makes it difficult to feel pain or irritation in your feet, so if you begin to develop an ulcer, you may not feel it. Regular foot care can help to prevent or identify open sores before they become infected or develop gangrene.

How are diabetic foot ulcers diagnosed?

To diagnose diabetic foot ulcers, the team performs thorough physical exams, including foot exams. They check for visible sores and areas of redness, swelling, and pain. The team also monitors your diabetes and check your blood sugar levels and circulation.

If circulation issues are at play, the doctors perform additional in-house testing, including ultrasounds and angiograms. These tests assess the function of your blood vessels and the amount of blood flow reaching your feet and legs.

How are diabetic foot ulcers treated?

If you experience diabetic foot ulcers, the team provides treatment to speed up healing and prevent future ulcers. This may include cleaning the wound, removing dead skin cells, and bandaging the wound to prevent infection.

The team can also work with your other doctors to help you manage your diabetes and reduce your risk of developing foot ulcers and neuropathy. In some cases, you may benefit from catheter-based techniques or surgical treatments to maintain blood flow to your feet and legs.

To determine what types of treatment are best for your diabetic foot ulcers, schedule a consultation online or by phone with Coastal Heart Medical Group.