What is a foot ulcer?
The development of foot ulcers in people with diabetes is serious, especially if they become infected, as they are linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, amputations of the foot or leg and early death.
You have a diabetic foot ulcer. This means an area of skin has broken down and the tissue under it is now exposed.
In some people with diabetes the skin does not heal very well and is likely to develop an ulcer or infection after only a minor injury.
About one in ten people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some stage.
A foot ulcer can become infected, which increases the risk of amputation and, if not treated quickly and effectively, the possibility of early death. If the circulation to your feet is poor, this further increases these risks.
Controlling your diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure, stopping smoking, increasing cardiovascular exercise and controlling your weight helps to reduce the risk of these life-and limb-threatening problems.
People with foot ulcers will need to ask their Diabetes Team about non-weight-bearing cardiovascular exercise so as not to risk further harm to the damaged foot.
Note: You may be at further risk of cardiovascular problems if you have a family history of heart disease. As you have a diabetic foot ulcer, you will need regular podiatry treatment. Your podiatrist will draw up a treatment plan for you.
What should I do if I have a concern or problem with my feet?
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Danger signs During your treatment for this ulcer, if you notice any of these danger signs you must contact a member of your Multi-disciplinary Foot Care Team, local Podiatry Department or GP for advice as soon as possible (within 24 hours).
If you discover any new breaks in the skin or blisters, cover them with a sterile dressing. Do not burst blisters. If your Multi-disciplinary Foot Care Team, local Podiatry Department or GP are not available, and there is no sign of your foot healing within 24 hours, go to your local accident and emergency department. |
Podiatry treatment for your diabetic foot ulcer
Diabetic foot ulcers are sometimes hidden beneath hard skin and can gather dead tissue around them. The podiatrist will need to remove this to help your ulcer to heal. This can cause the ulcer to bleed a little but this is completely normal. Do not try to treat the ulcer yourself.
What can I do to reduce the risk of developing problems?
Do not interfere with your dressing unless you have been properly shown how to remove and replace it and you have suitable dressings to replace the one you are changing.
Continue to check your feet every day
Continue to check your feet every day for any other problem areas or danger signs. If you cannot do this yourself, ask your partner or carer to help you.
Do not get your dressings wet
Getting the dressing wet will prevent healing or allow bacteria to enter the ulcer. This will cause more problems. Your podiatrist may be able to supply you with a dressing protector to keep the dressing dry, or they will give you a form to take to your GP to get a dressing protector on prescription. The dressing protector will allow you to have a bath or shower safely while keeping your dressing dry.
Moisture the surrounding area of your feet
If your skin is dry, apply a moisturising cream every day, avoiding areas of broken skin and the areas between your toes.
Rest the affected foot
Avoid any unnecessary standing or walking. A wound cannot heal if it is constantly under pressure. Rest as much as possible and, if advised, keep your foot up to help it heal.
Redistributing pressure on the foot
Use any device which your podiatrist or orthotist provides to help relieve the pressure on your foot. You may be asked to wear a cast or walking boot or special shoe until your ulcer has healed. You should wear this at all times when putting weight on your foot.
Keep checking both feet between appointments with your specialist foot service, following the care and advice you have been given about foot protection. Make sure you wear the correct footwear on the other foot as there will be more pressure on this foot, which could cause a further problem.
You can get advice from your specialist diabetes foot service about weight-bearing, and aids such as crutches, sticks and wheelchairs that help keep the weight off your foot.
Podiatry appointments
Always attend your appointments to have your ulcer treated. You may need regular appointments until the wound has healed. Your appointment may be with a district or community nurse, a practice nurse, a treatment room nurse or your podiatrist.
Antibiotic treatment
You will be given antibiotics if there are signs of infection in the wound or in the nearby tissue. Report any problems you have with the antibiotics (for example rashes, nausea or diarrhea) to the person who prescribed them for you. If this person is not available, contact your GP immediately for advice. Do not stop taking your antibiotics unless the person treating you or your GP tells you to do so. If the infection is getting worse (you have increased or spreading redness or pain or develop flu-like symptoms) you may need to go to hospital immediately to help protect your limb and even save your life.
Operations
Sometimes if an infection becomes severe, you may need an operation to clean out the wound. If an infection is severe, an amputation may be needed to save healthy parts of the foot. If your circulation is reduced, you may be referred for an operation to increase blood supply to the ulcerated area.
When should I see an NHS podiatrist?
If you have any foot health concerns and think this may potentially lead to a complication then please consider discussing a podiatry referral with your GP.
If your foot becomes red, hot or swollen, with new pain, with or without a wound please ask your GP to refer you to Podiatry.
This content was produced by the College of Podiatry.
Find out more:
https://cop.org.uk/common-foot-problems
