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Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic complications commonly include decreased sensation in the feet and impaired wound healing. Damage to the feet often goes unnoticed and can cause ulcerations.
Researched by: Louie Neri, BSN, RN
What are diabetic foot ulcers?
People with poorly controlled diabetes usually experience decreased foot sensation and impaired wound healing. As a result, they may develop foot ulcerations that are painless and heal poorly. The lifetime incidence of diabetic foot ulcers in people with diabetes is 19%–34%.[1]
What are the main signs and symptoms of diabetic foot ulcers?
Ulcerations typically develop on the weight-bearing areas of the foot, such as the heel or metatarsal head (also known as the ball of the foot).[2] These ulcerations look round and crater-like. In severe cases, they may ooze and bleed.
How are diabetic foot ulcers diagnosed?
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What are some of the main medical treatments for diabetic foot ulcers?
The main treatments include wound debridement (removing dead skin and tissue), moist wound dressings, reducing weight on the ulcer (via orthotics or shoe changes), antibiotics to combat infections, and controlling blood sugar levels (poorly controlled blood sugar can impair wound healing).[4]
Frequently asked questions
Ulcerations typically develop on the weight-bearing areas of the foot, such as the heel or metatarsal head (also known as the ball of the foot).[2] These ulcerations look round and crater-like. In severe cases, they may ooze and bleed.
What are the complications of diabetic foot ulcers?
If not treated early enough, diabetic foot ulcers can lead to complications such as osteomyelitis (infection of the bone), gangrene (tissue death), and foot abnormalities. An amputation may be the only option if there is significant tissue loss or a life-threatening infection.[2]