Infections that heal slowly on the skin are known as Diabetic Foot Ulcers, and they are common in the foot and toe. Individuals with neuropathy and diabetes are more likely to have these ulcers. If treatment for these ulcers is not received, they may get infected and necessitate amputating the foot or toes. These ulcers can be treated surgically or nonsurgically.
What Is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
Patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus are frequently diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers, which are skin lesions involving full-thickness skin loss on the foot. The neuropathic and/or vascular problems linked to diabetes are the cause of these ulcers.
Diabetic foot ulcers: what causes them?
The vascular and/or neuropathic consequences of diabetes mellitus are the cause of diabetic foot ulcers.
Neuropathic ulcer
Elevated blood sugar levels have the potential to harm sensory nerves, leading to peripheral neuropathy, which entails a partial or whole loss of sensation, including the inability to perceive pain. About 50% of persons with diabetes develop peripheral neuropathy, which raises the possibility of pressure, cuts, or bruising to the foot.
Vascular ulcer
Long-term high blood sugar levels can potentially damage blood vessels, resulting in decreased blood flow to the skin and/or foot. This may lead to inadequate healing of wounds.
Symptoms and a diagnosis
An ulcer is an open wound that is usually deep enough to show the tissues beneath it, perhaps even exposing the bone. Upon examination, a physician will record the location, size, depth, and wound discharge of the ulcer.
This process includes checking for signs of infection, such as:
- Swelling
- Skin hardening
- Redness around the lesion
- Localized pain
- The presence of pus or fluid drainage
Experts classify diabetic foot ulcers in a variety of ways; Wagner’s classification is one of the most often used methods. Ulcers are categorized as follows:
Grade 0: The foot is at risk, although the skin is intact
Grade 1: Surface ulcer
Grade 2: More profound ulcer
Grade 3: Osteomyelitis or an abscess with deeper tissue involvement
Grade 4: Gangrenous in a portion of the foot
Grade 5: The entire foot is completely covered with gangrene.
Treatment for diabetic ulcers
The primary goals of treating foot or toe ulcers are to alleviate pain and facilitate wound recovery. Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent these ulcers from becoming infected or worsening, thereby promoting healing and preventing complications.
To stop an ulcer from getting worse, people should get medical attention as soon as they notice one. The main objective of therapy is to promote recovery as quickly as possible. The ulcer’s grade will frequently determine how it is treated.
In certain situations, surgery might be required to promote healing, alleviate pressure in the area, and prevent additional complications.
Conclusion
Finding an open sore on your foot or toe might be upsetting. If you have diabetic neuropathy, you may not even feel it, and you may not know what caused it. It may also not be healing. Remember that your doctor can effectively treat an ulcer, particularly if it is identified early. Serious consequences may arise from an ulcer if treatment is not received. Watch the video to learn more.