Our Guidelines on How to Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most common complications of diabetes and often one of the most serious, with the potential to lead to severe infections and other significant problems. The good news is that, with early intervention and proper care, many diabetic foot ulcers can be prevented. 

In this article, we’ll explain what diabetic foot ulcers are, address what causes them and examine prevention strategies and treatment options to help protect your long-term foot health. 

Nerve damage and poor circulation associated with diabetes can increase your risk of foot injuries and infections. If you’re experiencing diabetes-related foot discomfort, we invite you to contact us to schedule an appointment. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan to help minimize the impact of diabetes on your daily life. 

What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound, usually on the bottom of the foot. Ulcers often develop in areas of repeated pressure, such as the ball of the foot or under the big toe.

You may not experience pain from a foot ulcer due to nerve damage in the feet, a condition known as neuropathy. However, foot ulcers should always be evaluated, even if they don’t cause pain. If left untreated, ulcers can lead to infection and other serious complications. 

Early detection and treatment are vital for helping prevent a small wound from becoming a more urgent health concern.

How Common Are Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

Research indicates that around 15% of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer during their lifetime, and approximately 6% of those cases will result in hospitalization due to infection or other complications. 

Foot ulcers are also one of the leading causes of diabetes-related amputations. Infection increases amputation risk dramatically. 

Whether you’ve just received a diabetes diagnosis or you’ve been managing the condition for a long time, preventive measures and early treatment of complications is essential for reducing risks.

What Causes Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

Foot ulcers are usually caused by a combination of factors, including:

• Nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy. This reduces the ability to experience pain or pressure in the feet, making it easier to overlook cuts, blisters or irritated areas and causing injuries to worsen. 
• Poor blood circulation. Diabetes damages and narrows blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the feet, which slows the body’s ability to heal wounds and fight infections. 
• Pressure and friction. Poorly fitting shoes can create pressure on the feet, resulting in calluses. Over time, these calluses may break down and progress to ulcers. 

Other risk factors associated with developing diabetic foot ulcers may include:

• Uncontrolled blood sugar levels
• Foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes
• Smoking, which damages blood vessels and restricts blood circulation 
• Inadequate foot care practices, such as poor hygiene, walking barefoot or not monitoring the feet for cuts, bruises or blisters

How Can Diabetic Foot Ulcers Be Prevented?

Despite the risk factors above, many diabetic foot ulcers are preventable through regular daily foot care and proper diabetes management. 

Tips for preventing diabetic foot ulcers:

• Perform daily foot checks. Monitor your feet each day for cuts, cracks, blisters, redness or swelling. Report any issues to your healthcare provider immediately.
• Practice good foot hygiene. Wash feet daily with warm water and mild soap. Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes, and apply moisturizer to prevent dry or cracked skin.
• Wear proper footwear. Choose shoes that fit well and provide adequate support without pressure or friction. You should also avoid walking barefoot, even at home, to reduce the risk of injury. 
• Manage blood sugar levels. Keep your blood glucose levels within the recommended range to help prevent nerve damage and facilitate healing. 
• Get routine foot exams. Regular foot exams can help us identify potential issues early and provide appropriate treatment to keep foot problems from worsening. 

Practicing these prevention tips consistently is the most effective strategy for reducing the risk of diabetic foot ulcers and other complications. 

How Are Foot Ulcers Treated?

Prompt medical care is essential for diabetic foot ulcers. Early care and treatment help promote healing and prevent complications.

Recommended treatment may include:

• Wound cleaning and dressings. Ulcers need to be cleaned regularly and the appropriate dressings applied. Keeping the wound clean and covered creates an optimal environment for healing. 
• Reducing pressure on the affected area. Pressure can delay healing, so we may recommend specialized footwear, braces, casts or mobility aids to keep weight off the wound. This will help prevent irritation and give the ulcer the best chance to heal.
• Managing infection. If an infection develops, we may prescribe antibiotics. In some cases, damaged tissue may need to be removed to encourage healing. 
• Blood sugar control. Keeping blood glucose levels in the healthy range is essential for healing. Stable blood sugar levels help speed healing and reduce the risk of infection. 

Healing time may vary from a few weeks to a few months. How long it takes to heal depends on the size and severity of the ulcer, how well your diabetes is managed and your overall health.

Raleigh Adult Medicine Provides Comprehensive Care and Management of Diabetes and Other Chronic Conditions 

Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious but mostly preventable complication of diabetes. Preventive care can reduce your risk of developing ulcers and protect your long-term foot health.  

At Raleigh Adult Medicine, we’ve been treating patients with chronic diseases like diabetes for more than two decades. If you’re experiencing diabetes-related foot discomfort, we can create a comprehensive treatment plan to help you find relief and maintain your mobility and quality of life.

We encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.