Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention & Treatment Guide
Learn the warning signs, risk factors, and expert treatment options to protect your feet and prevent serious complications from diabetic foot ulcers.
Diabetic foot ulcers affect approximately 15% of people with diabetes and are the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations. The good news is that with proper prevention and early treatment, most diabetic foot ulcers can be healed, and amputations can be avoided.
What Causes Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
Diabetic foot ulcers develop from a combination of factors unique to diabetes:
Neuropathy
Nerve damage causes loss of sensation, so injuries go unnoticed until they become serious wounds.
Poor Circulation
Reduced blood flow slows healing and makes it harder to fight infection.
Weakened Immunity
High blood sugar impairs the immune system's ability to fight infections.
Foot Deformities
Changes in foot shape create pressure points that lead to calluses and ulcers.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Check your feet daily for:
- Cuts, blisters, or sores
- Redness, warmth, or swelling
- Drainage or foul odor
- Calluses or corns
- Ingrown toenails
- Changes in skin color or temperature
Prevention Strategies
Control Blood Sugar
Maintain your A1C below 7% to reduce nerve damage and improve healing.
Daily Foot Inspections
Check your feet every day, using a mirror for the soles. Look for any changes or injuries.
Proper Footwear
Wear well-fitting shoes with good support. Never walk barefoot, even indoors.
Regular Professional Care
See a podiatrist or wound care specialist at least once a year, more often if you have neuropathy.
Treatment Options
If you develop a diabetic foot ulcer, prompt treatment is essential. Our comprehensive approach includes:
Offloading
Special boots or casts to remove pressure from the wound.
Advanced Dressings
Specialized wound care products to optimize healing.
Infection Control
Antibiotics and antimicrobial treatments when needed.
When to Seek Immediate Care
Contact us immediately if you notice:
- Any open wound on your foot
- Signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus, fever)
- A wound that isn't healing after 2 weeks
- Black or discolored skin
Need Help With a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
Our wound care specialists provide expert treatment, including in-home care throughout Southern California.