Diabetic Ulcer

A diabetic ulcer is a breakdown of the skin on an area of the foot. An ulcer can develop quickly and may be painful and difficult to heal and infection is a common complication. It is important to have an x-ray to determine whether there is any bone involvement when an ulcer is present. 

Causes:

• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
• Vascular insufficiency
• Lack of sensation
• Ill-fitting shoes
• Trauma
• Heredity

What can you do?

• Consult a podiatrist immediately
• Alert the doctor's office that you are a diabetic with a foot sore.

NOTE: Self-treatment is not recommended for this serious condition.

What might a podiatrist do?

• Perform a physical examination
• Take an x-ray
• Perform debridement and wound care
• Conduct laboratory tests

Initiate a total medical team approach, which may include your family doctor, endocrinologist, internist, vascular surgeon and infectious disease specialist.