Diabetic Foot Ulcer: Causes, Treatment & Prevention Tips

Blisters on the feet are typically caused by ill-fitting shoes rubbing against the skin or from the pressure of walking or running long distances. However, if you’re living with diabetes, a minor foot problem such as this can quickly escalate and turn into a painful, infected wound known as a diabetic foot ulcer, which can affect your mobility, sleep and independence.

Unfortunately, foot ulcers, which can lead to lower extremity amputation, are one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes, affecting around 16 million Americans annually.

What is a diabetic foot ulcer, exactly?

A foot ulcer is an open sore that typically occurs on the bottom of the foot, simply because this area has direct contact with the ground. It forms as the foot’s skin and tissue break down and can lead to an open wound that, without prompt treatment, can become infected. While anyone can potentially develop a foot ulcer, they’re more common among diabetic patients, mostly due to a condition known as neuropathy, which relates to nerve damage and loss of sensation.

Why do they happen?

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of neuropathy, caused over time by elevated blood glucose levels. Nerve damage doesn’t always incur pain, and often, patients are unaware of the problem. Once a person loses the feeling in a foot, they’re unable to feel that their shoe is rubbing or causing injury. While a blister will tell most of us to slow down or stop walking to allow the foot time to heal, patients with neuropathy don’t receive this signal.

Unlike a simple cut or blister, diabetic wounds can take weeks or even months to heal. Vascular disease can impede the healing process and raise the risk for infection. A rise in blood glucose levels hinders the body’s ability to fight potential infection and also delays healing. Being overweight, and using tobacco, and alcohol can also contribute to the formation of foot ulcers.

In severe cases, a diabetic foot ulcer can lead to infection, tissue death (gangrene) and even the need for lower limb amputation. In fact, people with diabetes are 15-46 times more at risk of amputation than non-diabetics. This is why prompt and proper case is so important.

Signs you may have a diabetic foot ulcer

Diabetic foot ulcers display a variety of common symptoms, which include:

• Blood on your sock or the floor
• Redness or irritation in the area from pressure caused by walking
• Odor and/or swelling
• Pain (although neuropathic patients most likely won’t feel this)
• Discolored or dark tissue

If you’ve noticed a foot ulcer, you should seek podiatry advice immediately. It’s vital to treat foot ulcers in diabetic patients for the following reasons:

• Decrease the likelihood of infection and the need for amputation
• Enhance mobility and overall well-being
• Minimize medical expenses and related costs

Diabetic foot ulcer treatment

The primary objective of diabetic foot treatment is to heal the wound as quickly as possible. The faster it heals, the less chance there is of infection.

Treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer involves several key factors, namely:

Professional wound cleaning and dressings: Ulcers should be cleaned and dressed regularly to protect against infection and encourage healing. Debridement should also be carried out to remove dead tissue and cells. Your clinician may choose dressings that keep the wound moist but absorb excess fluid. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the ulcer is infected. In some cases, topical antimicrobial creams or ointments are used.

Offloading Pressure: Walking on an ulcer slows healing. Special footwear, casts, or orthotic devices can relieve pressure from the affected area, giving it a chance to recover.

Improving Circulation: If poor blood flow is slowing healing, procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery may be considered to restore circulation to the foot.

In addition to conventional treatments, some natural remedies are gaining attention for their wound-healing properties. One such example is Manuka honey, which has been studied for its ability to reduce infection and promote faster healing in diabetic wounds. Learn more about how Manuka honey supports diabetic wound care here.

Advanced Therapies: Some ulcers benefit from newer treatments, such as negative pressure wound therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or bioengineered skin grafts.

Can a foot ulcer be prevented?

The best way to treat a foot ulcer is to prevent its development in the first place.

Learning to inspect your feet every day is crucial for detecting a problem in its earliest stage. Use a mirror to view the soles of your feet or ask a family member for help. If you spot any problems, you should report them to a medical professional or podiatrist as soon as possible, even if you think they seem minor issues. Early treatment can prevent blisters and sores from turning into ulcers.

Other important factors include:

• Good Footwear: Choose shoes that fit well, with no seams rubbing against the skin. Avoid going barefoot, even indoors.
• Moisturise Wisely: Keep skin hydrated but avoid leaving excess moisture between toes.
• Blood Sugar Control: Managing glucose levels reduces your risk of nerve damage and poor circulation.

When to Seek Urgent Help

You should contact a healthcare professional immediately if:

• A wound is not improving after a few days
• There are signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, odor)
• You notice sudden changes in skin color or temperature
• You develop new pain, numbness, or swelling in your foot

Key takeaway

A diabetic foot ulcer is a serious but preventable complication of diabetes. With daily self-checks, protective footwear, and prompt treatment of even the smallest injuries, you can protect your feet and your independence. Remember: prevention is always easier than a cure.

Take charge of your foot health today

Don’t let a diabetic foot ulcer and other leg wounds control your life. At Mint STL, our specialists offer expert diagnosis and cutting-edge minimally invasive treatments designed to promote faster healing and reduce complications. Take the first step toward healthier feet. Schedule your consultation today and reclaim your mobility with Mint STL’s trusted care.