Prevention and Proper Care of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

The statistics surrounding diabetic foot ulcers are alarming. Currently, over 2 million people in the U.S. have foot ulcers and up to 25% of all adults living with diabetes will experience a foot ulcer at some point. Non-healing diabetic foot ulcers account for 85% of diabetes-related amputations.

What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU)?

A diabetic foot ulcer is a wound that occurs on the feet, heels or toes of people living with diabetes. Many times, there is little to no feeling in their feet or the wound itself due to diabetes-related nerve damage. A pulse is present and the skin is normal or warm to the touch. The skin on the legs and feet may be dry and flaky.

If left untreated, the ulcer grows larger and deeper due to diabetes-related blood vessel damage. When oxygen-rich blood does not reach the wound because of poor circulation, the wound does not heal. This can lead to infection, hospitalization and amputation.

How to Help Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers:

• Inspect your feet daily, looking for ingrown, thick or odd colored toenails and toes that curl
• Use a mirror to look for any open areas in your skin and make sure to look between your toes
• Ask a family member or friend to help if you cannot thoroughly check your own feet
• Never cut corns or calluses yourself
• Never use store bought corn or callous removers, foot pads or arch supports
• Wash your feet daily, dry between your toes, and do not use powder
• If your feet become really dry, moisturize them but take care not to get the cream between your toes
• Don’t use garters or elastics to hold up your stockings
• Don’t use panty girdles that are tight around your legs
• Do not walk barefoot indoors or outdoors

Avoid getting your feet too hot or too cold:

• Don’t walk barefoot on hot sand or pavement in summer
• Put sunscreen on your feet when in the hot sun
• Check the temperature of bath water with your hand before stepping in
• Do not use hot water bottles or heating pads to warm cold feet and wear loose socks at night in bed if your feet are cold
• Wear absorbent socks and change them during the day when needed
• Do not wear socks with holes in them
• Beware of car heaters on long trips

How to Care for Diabetic Foot Ulcers:

• Dress your ulcer as ordered by your doctor
• Wear shoes that fit properly
• Wear off-loading shoes, boots or casts, as directed by your doctor, to assist in healing your ulcer
• Notify your physician if the area around your ulcer becomes red or develops drainage, swelling or warmth to the area, or if you develop a fever over 101 degrees F

Healogics helps patients with diabetic foot ulcers and other chronic wounds heal faster. Our highly specialized care includes therapies that aid wound closure, new tissue growth and wound tissue regeneration. These therapies include total contact casting (TCC), negative pressure wound therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

Over the past 20 years, Healogics has helped to heal more than four million wounds. We have partnerships with academic and research-based scientists to consult and analyze, driving collaboration to provide better outcomes for our patients.

Learn more about diabetic foot ulcers and other common foot wounds at Diabetes and Wound Healing.