Foot Ulcers - Causes and Ulcer Management

Foot ulceration is a consequence of diabetes. Foot ulcer – defined as foot wounds or open sores – is caused by peripheral vascular disease.

Diabetics have poor blood circulation, especially to the leg and feet area. This causes their feet to be numb, disabling them from feeling any sores. Untreated wounds and sores develop into foot ulcer. Foot ulceration is usually not painful, as diabetics rarely feel any pain on their feet.

If left untreated, however, foot ulcer may lead to septicemia, which is an infection of the bloodstream. Untreated foot ulcer may also be disabling – in some cases, the patient’s infected foot or leg needs to be amputated. In worst cases, foot ulceration may cause death.

Foot Ulcer Signs and Symptoms

Initial symptoms of foot ulcer include signs of irritation such as blistering and skin redness. As the condition progresses, a patient may develop open wounds that drain fluid (usually onto socks). The open foot wounds may get infected and swell or drain pus. In some cases the patient develops fever as a consequence, and his or her blood sugar levels may go higher.

Foot Ulcers Causes and Risk Factors

Foot ulcer usually stems direct skin damage (like cuts). Foot pressure ulcers are caused by extraordinary stress on the feet which is usually caused by ill-fitting footwear.

Some health conditions make some patients more prone to foot ulceration. Those with diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease, both of which cause diminished blood flow to and feeling of the feet, are more likely to develop foot wounds and never even realize it until they get infected.

Foot ulcer is also more common to males, people who smoke, and people with fluctuating blood sugar levels. Also prone to foot pressure ulcers are people with kidney and heart problems caused by diabetes, people who have had limb amputations before, people with deformed foot bones, and people with abnormally thick toenails.

Tests & Diagnosis

A physical examination may be all that is required to diagnose foot ulcer, especially on its first stages. But if the wound is starting to drain fluid, the doctor or healthcare professional may require that a culture be laboratory-tested. The procedure will check for infections.

Foot Ulcer Management and Treatment

Treatment of foot ulcer involves close monitoring of several conditions that may be causing it. The oxygen levels in the skin of patients with peripheral vascular disease, for example, are closely observed. Diabetics are urged to quickly consult a doctor at the first sign of abnormality in the feet.

Patients with foot ulcer may also be required to quit smoking (if they are smokers) and change lifestyle habits that contribute to the condition. Most doctors advise patients to exercise not only to improve circulation of blood in the feet, but also to help decrease cholesterol levels in the blood and control blood sugar levels. Patients are also advised to switch to cushioned shoes or other prescription footwear.

People who have had foot pressure ulcers are at a high risk of more skin breakdown in the future, possibly throughout his or her lifetime. Healthcare professionals usually extend self-care training to such patients. They are taught how to prevent and manage foot ulcer, monitor their blood sugar levels, inspect their feet at a regular basis, and also control their.

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