What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

diabetic foot ulcer

A foot ulcer is another way that diabetes can impact your feet. This complication is an open wound that can become infected without prompt attention. One common cause is neuropathy, which is nerve damage. Neuropathy can impact how someone detects pain or other sensations that keep them safe. Here are the facts on diabetic ulcers with help from the doctors at the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group.

What is a diabetic foot ulcer?

When a patient has diabetes, they are more susceptible to developing open wounds on their feet. The wounds, also known as ulcers, are often found on the bottom of a patient’s foot. With nerve damage or diabetic peripheral neuropathy, it can be hard to detect a wound. Poor circulation also prevents healing.

What are the causes? 

Poor circulation and nerve damage are among the causes. When blood doesn’t flow properly, wounds can take a very long time to heal. For patients with diabetes, slow-healing wounds are dangerous complications that can sometimes lead to an infection or even amputation.

What are the dangers? 

When a wound becomes infected, there’s a race against time to save the life and limbs of a patient with diabetes. If left untreated, a podiatrist may need to amputate a toe or a foot. The goal is to catch the wound before it becomes infected or detect infection early to prevent complications.

At the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, there are almost 30 foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and doctors. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. We offer compassionate, cutting-edge care across our network, and we specialize in treating the following conditions: ankle and sports injuries, heel pain and plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, corns and callusesingrown toenails, diabetic foot care complications, children’s foot problems, skin conditions of the feet, and fungal nails. Our group is among the best foot and ankle providers in the country. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.