Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds that develop in individuals with diabetes due to neuropathy, poor circulation, and pressure on the foot. Without specialized care these wounds can become infected and lead to serious complications.
Common Symptoms
- Open wound on the foot or toes
- Redness or swelling
- Drainage
- Slow healing
Common Locations
- Bottom of the foot (plantar surface)
- Ball of the foot
- Tips of the toes
- Under calluses
- Areas of pressure from footwear
Risk Factors
- Diabetes
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Poor circulation
- Foot deformities
Treatment Approach
- Debridement and wound bed preparation
- Advanced wound dressings
- Offloading of pressure points
- Skin substitute grafts when clinically indicated
- Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) when appropriate
- Ultramist therapy when sharp debridement is not tolerated