Neuropathic Ulcers: Protecting Feet With Nerve Damage
When you can't feel your feet, small injuries become serious wounds. Learn how to protect yourself and get proper treatment.
Neuropathy—nerve damage that causes loss of sensation—is one of the most dangerous complications of diabetes and other conditions. When you can't feel pain, a small cut or blister can become a serious ulcer before you even notice it.
Understanding the Risk
Why Neuropathy Is Dangerous
- • You can't feel injuries - A pebble in your shoe can create a wound
- • You can't feel pressure - Walking on the wound makes it worse
- • You can't feel heat - Burns from hot water go unnoticed
- • You can't feel infection - Serious infections develop silently
Daily Foot Protection
Daily Inspection
- • Check feet every day—top, bottom, between toes
- • Use a mirror for the soles
- • Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling
- • Check inside shoes for objects
Proper Footwear
- • Never walk barefoot—even indoors
- • Wear well-fitting shoes with good support
- • Break in new shoes gradually
- • Consider diabetic shoes if recommended
Treatment: Offloading Is Key
The #1 treatment for neuropathic ulcers is removing pressure from the wound. Options include:
Total Contact Cast
Gold standard for offloading
Offloading Boot
Removable but effective
Non-Weight Bearing
For severe cases
Preventing Recurrence
Up to 40% of neuropathic ulcers recur within a year. Prevention strategies include:
- Custom diabetic shoes and inserts
- Regular podiatry visits
- Excellent blood sugar control
- Daily foot inspection for life
Have a Neuropathic Ulcer?
Get expert care with proper offloading and wound management.