Foot ulcers are open sores on the foot. Hot spots are areas of increased pressure that are usually red and warm before the ulcer develops. Some foot ulcers are superficial, producing a shallow red sore that involves only the surface skin. Other foot ulcers are very deep, producing a sore that extends through the full thickness of the skin, sometimes involving tendons, bones and other deep structures. In vulnerable individuals, especially those with diabetes or poor circulation, even a small foot ulcer can become infected if it is not treated quickly. If this local infection is allowed to progress, it can lead to an amputation. Among persons with diabetes, a seemingly simple foot ulcer is the initial problem in approximately 85 percent of severe foot infections that ultimately require amputation of some part of the lower limb.
Foot ulcers are especially common in persons who have one or more of the following health problems:
More than any other group, persons with diabetes have a particularly high risk of developing foot ulcers. This is because the long-term complications of poorly-controlled diabetes often include the triple risk factors of neuropathy, circulatory problems and a gradual development of structural abnormalities in the feet. Among the estimated 16 million diabetics living in the United States, approximately 15 percent will eventually develop an ulcer involving either the foot or ankle. Without prompt and proper treatment, this ulcer may become so severe that it requires hospital treatment or even amputation.
A foot ulcer looks like a red crater in the skin, usually located on the sole of the foot or between the toes. In many cases, this crater is surrounded by a well-defined border of thickened, callused skin, especially if it has been present on the foot for a fairly long time. In very severe ulcers, the red crater may be very deep, exposing foot tendons or bones.
If the nerves to the foot are functioning normally, then the ulcer will be painful. If not, then the patient may not know that the ulcer is there, particularly if the ulcer is located on a less-obvious portion of the foot. In debilitated or elderly patients, a relative or caregiver may first notice the problem when the ulcer becomes infected, drains pus and develops a foul odor.
In most cases, your doctor can tell that you have a foot ulcer by simply looking at your foot, but this is only the beginning of the diagnostic process. Your doctor will assess the control of your blood sugar and will ask about your routine foot-care practices and the type of shoes that you usually wear. This is because poor foot hygiene and poorly fitting shoes can increase the risk of foot ulcers in susceptible individuals. Evaluation of the ulcer includes determining:
The duration of a foot ulcer depends on the depth of the ulcer, the adequacy of blood circulation to supply oxygen and nutrients, and whether there is any secondary infection. In persons who have good circulation and good medical care, a superficial ulcer can sometimes heal in as little as five to six weeks. Deeper ulcers may take 12 to 20 weeks and sometimes require surgery.
Persons who are at risk of foot ulcers, especially those with diabetes, can probably prevent about 50 percent of foot ulcers by routinely examining their feet and following good foot hygiene practices. The following strategies may help:
In patients with superficial foot ulcers, the prognosis for healing is good if the foot's circulation is adequate. By using the best wound-care methods available, most ulcers should heal within 12 weeks. Unfortunately, about 30 percent of healed ulcers recur, particularly in patients who do not wear specialized footwear prescribed by their doctor.
If you are a diabetic or if you suffer from poor circulation or peripheral neuropathy, examine your feet every day. If you see an area of redness, swelling, bleeding, blisters or any other abnormality, call today for an appointment .
FAMILY FOOT CARE CENTER
2033 Greystone Park, Jackson, TN 38305
This Page Last Modified On Wednesday December 10, 2008
This website is for informational purposes only. Information found on this website should not be considered medical advice.