Diabetic foot ulcers are a common condition that develops in those that have diabetes.
And, while a little wound on your foot may not seem like a big deal, if foot ulcers are not properly treated they can progress in the worst situations to foot amputations.
It has been found that diabetic foot ulcers occurred prior to amputation in 85% of all amputations performed on diabetic patients.
So, while 60-80% of all diabetic foot ulcers will eventually heal, you will need to be vigilant and give the wound proper care to avoid a more severe situation.
In this article, we will lay out the basics of diabetic foot ulcers, including causes, symptoms, general treatments, and prevention to keep those feet in fighting shape.
Just what about having diabetes puts you at risk to develop wounds on your feet?
For some, the connection between a pancreas disease and your feet is not entirely obvious.
Ultimately, it comes down to poor circulation, having extra sugar in your bloodstream, and longer healing times.
With your feet being one of the most distant parts of your body for your blood to reach, if the blood is not getting to your extremities properly to carry oxygen and nutrients you are at risk for problems.
Additionally, with the blood carrying more sugar than in people who do not have diabetes, if there is a wound on the foot, it is constantly being fed extra sugar molecules, causing a worsened bacterial infection.
Often, the exact causes of diabetic foot ulcers are a blend of one or more of the potential causes below.
High blood sugar (uncontrolled or untreated diabetes)
Poor circulation to the feet
Nerve damage (neuropathy)
Foot irritation
Foot injuries
Just having diabetes does not mean that you will definitely get a foot ulcer, although having the disease does put you at a much higher risk for diabetic foot ulcers and other foot and circulation issues.
Diabetic neuropathy
Peripheral arterial disease
Many injuries to the feet
Poorly fitting shoes
Improper washing
Drinking alcohol
Diabetes-related eye diseases
Improper toenail trimming
Tobacco use
Kidney disease
Heart disease
Obesity
In general, the better your diabetes is controlled, the better your overall health will be, including your foot health.
It should be noted, that due to nerve damage (neuropathy) in the foot area, sometimes little to no pain is able to be felt from these foot wounds, even if they are severe.
The way that a diabetic foot ulcer is treated depends on how severe the ulcer is, if it is infected, and your overall health.
The best way to prevent diabetic foot ulcers is to keep your diabetes under control.
Also, having regular foot check-ups with a podiatrist will help your doctors identify the beginnings of foot ulcers to catch them before they progress to a more extreme state.
It is recommended that all diabetics have a foot exam at least once a year.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.