What are Diabetic Ulcers? How You Can Prevent Them

For many diabetic patients, foot ulcers are a likely side effect. These painful sores often develop at the bottom of the feet and typically take weeks to several months to heal, explains Greensboro podiatrist, Dr. Sikora of Triad Foot Center.

Diabetic ulcers are a result of too much pressure being applied to one area of the foot. The balls and sides of the feet, or the bottom of the big toe, are typically where the ulcers appear.

“It’s important to note that not all ulcers are painful, but they should always be checked out by a podiatrist to ensure there isn’t an infection, which can lead to an amputation of a limb,” explains Dr. SIkora. “For many diabetic patients, they lose a degree of feeling in their feet, causing many ulcers to go undiscovered and become infected. They should check their feet daily to ensure an ulcer isn’t developing.”

Proper foot care and management of minor foot injuries, like scrapes, cuts or blisters, are the best way to prevent an ulcer from developing. Daily foot inspections, cleansing your feet with soap and water, as well as using topical moisturizers, are the best way to maintain healthy skin and prevent the breakdown of the skin of your feet.

Ensuring your shoes properly fit and are not squeezing tightly around your feet is also key in prevention. Many people have found that custom diabetic shoes and thick absorbent socks have helped them avoid ulcer formation.

For more information about proper diabetic foot care, as well as tips to maintaining healthy feet, visit triadfoot.com Triad Foot Center, one of North Carolina’s leading podiatry practices, has offices in Greensboro, Burlington and Asheboro. To make your appointment, please call (336) 375-6990 or click here.

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